Exercise and other non-pharmaceutical interventions for cancer-related fatigue in patients during or after cancer treatment: a systematic review incorporating an indirect-comparisons meta-analysis

Hilfiker, Roger; Meichtry, André; Eicher, Manuela; Balfe, Lina Nilsson; Knols, Ruud H.; Verra, Martin L.; Taeymans, Jan

doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096422

Cited by 289 publications

(235 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…In cancer survivors, an inverse correlation between PA and mortality or recurrence rate was reported . Moreover, EX can play a beneficial role during and after oncological treatments, leading to clinically meaningful improvements in physical fitness (aerobic, strength, flexibility, and body composition) , quality of life (QoL) , treatment‐related side effects , and psychological outcomes (such as anxiety, depression, self‐esteem, and energy level and vitality) . Nevertheless, the American College of Sport Medicine guidelines for EX in cancer are mainly directed to patients with breast, prostate, colon, gynecologic, and hematological cancer, and no universal recommendations are available for lung cancer.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical Activity and Exercise in Lung Cancer Care: Will Promises Be Fulfilled?

Avancini

Sartori

Gkountakos³

et al. 2019

The Oncologist

115

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Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Affected patients frequently experience debilitating disease‐related symptoms, including dyspnea, cough, fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain, despite the progresses achieved in term of treatment efficacy. Physical activity and exercise are nonpharmacological interventions that have been shown to improve fatigue, quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, pulmonary function, muscle mass and strength, and psychological status in patients with lung cancer. Moreover, physical fitness levels, especially cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength, are demonstrated to be independent predictors of survival. Nevertheless, patients with lung cancer frequently present insufficient levels of physical activity and exercise, and these may contribute to quality of life impairment, reduction in functional capacity with skeletal muscle atrophy or weakness, and worsening of symptoms, particularly dyspnea. The molecular bases underlying the potential impact of exercise on the fitness and treatment outcome of patients with lung cancer are still elusive. Counteracting specific cancer cells’ acquired capabilities (hallmarks of cancer), together with preventing treatment‐induced adverse events, represent main candidate mechanisms. To date, the potential impact of physical activity and exercise in lung cancer remains to be fully appreciated, and no specific exercise guidelines for patients with lung cancer are available. In this article, we perform an in‐depth review of the evidence supporting physical activity and exercise in lung cancer and suggest that integrating this kind of intervention within the framework of a global, multidimensional approach, taking into account also nutritional and psychological aspects, might be the most effective strategy. Implications for Practice Although growing evidence supports the safety and efficacy of exercise in lung cancer, both after surgery and during and after medical treatments, most patients are insufficiently active or sedentary. Engaging in exercise programs is particularly arduous for patients with lung cancer, mainly because of a series of physical and psychosocial disease‐related barriers (including the smoking stigma). A continuous collaboration among oncologists and cancer exercise specialists is urgently needed in order to develop tailored programs based on patients’ needs, preferences, and physical and psychological status. In this regard, benefit of exercise appears to be potentially enhanced when administered as a multidimensional, comprehensive approach to patients’ well‐being.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical Activity and Exercise in Lung Cancer Care: Will Promises Be Fulfilled?

Avancini

Sartori

Gkountakos³

et al. 2019

The Oncologist

115

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Interventions including physical activity and psychological and pharmacologic approaches have been investigated for the management of fatigue in cancer patients, and several systematic reviews have been published [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] . The evaluation of pharmacologic interventions is particularly important, because medications can be associated with adverse effects and high costs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pharmacologic Interventions for Fatigue in Cancer and Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis

et al. 2018

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“…A Cochrane Review found that methylphenidate was the only agent that caused a significant, albeit small, improvement in CRF . There are a growing number of studies investigating nonpharmacologic treatments for CRF; for example, data suggest that exercise causes a small to moderate decrease in CRF . The psychosocial interventions studied have reported small but significant reductions in fatigue .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…13 There are a growing number of studies investigating nonpharmacologic treatments for CRF; for example, data suggest that exercise causes a small to moderate decrease in CRF. [14][15][16][17][18][19] The psychosocial interventions studied have reported small but significant reductions in fatigue. 14,20,21 Overall, methodology and design challenges continue to limit the impact of this work.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[14][15][16][17][18][19] The psychosocial interventions studied have reported small but significant reductions in fatigue. 14,20,21 Overall, methodology and design challenges continue to limit the impact of this work. 19,22,23 Over 50% of patients with cancer use a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approach for symptom management.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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