ExPeCT: a randomised trial examining the impact of exercise on quality of life in men with metastatic prostate cancer

Gráinne Sheill*, Lauren Brady, Brian Hayes, Anne-Marie Baird, Emer Guinan, Rishabh Vishwakarma, Caroline Brophy, Tatjana Vlajnic, Orla Casey, Verena Murphy, John Greene, Emma Allott, Juliette Hussey, Fidelma Cahill, Mieke Van Hemelrijck, Nicola Peat, Lorelei Mucci, Moya Cunningham, Liam Grogan, Thomas LynchRustom P. Manecksha, John McCaffrey, Dearbhaile O'Donnell, Orla Sheils, John O'Leary, Sarah Rudman, Ray McDermott, Stephen Finn

*Corresponding author for this work

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2 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Purpose
All patients living with cancer, including those with metastatic cancer, are encouraged to be physically active. This paper examines the secondary endpoints of an aerobic exercise intervention for men with metastatic prostate cancer.

Methods
ExPeCT (Exercise, Prostate Cancer and Circulating Tumour Cells), was a multi-centre randomised control trial with a 6-month aerobic exercise intervention arm or a standard care control arm. Exercise adherence data was collected via heart rate monitors. Quality of life (FACT-P) and physical activity (self-administered questionnaire) assessments were completed at baseline, at 3 months and at 6 months.

Results
A total of 61 patients were included (69.4 ± 7.3 yr, body mass index 29.2 ± 5.8 kg/m2). The median time since diagnosis was 34 months (IQR 7–54). A total of 35 (55%) of participants had  > 1 region affected by metastatic disease. No adverse events were reported by participants. There was no effect of exercise on quality of life (Cohen’s d =  − 0.082). Overall adherence to the supervised sessions was 83% (329 out of 396 possible sessions attended by participants). Overall adherence to the non-supervised home exercise sessions was 72% (months 1–3) and 67% (months 3–6). Modelling results for overall physical activity scores showed no significant main effect for the group (p-value = 0.25) or for time (p-value = 0.24).

Conclusion
In a group of patients with a high burden of metastatic prostate cancer, a 6-month aerobic exercise intervention did not lead to change in quality of life. Further exercise studies examining the role of exercise for people living with metastatic prostate cancer are needed.

Original languageEnglish
Article number292
Number of pages11
JournalSupportive Care in Cancer
Volume31
Issue number5
Early online date22 Apr 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 May 2023

Keywords

  • Male
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Exercise
  • Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy
  • Exercise Therapy/methods
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

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