Effect of a Home-based Walking Intervention on Cardiopulmonary Fitness and Quality of Life Among Men with Prostate Cancer on Active Surveillance: The Active Surveillance Exercise Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Active surveillance (AS) is standard care for most men with low-risk prostate cancer (PC); yet, many men on AS eventually undergo curative therapy. Interventions to lower the risk of cancer progression and fear of recurrence among men on AS for PC are needed.
Objective: To determine the effect of aerobic exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness, body size, and quality of life (QOL) among men on AS for PC.
Design, Setting, and Participants: We conducted a 1:1 randomized controlled trial among 51 men with low-risk PC who elected AS. Participants were enrolled at the University of California, San Francisco.
Intervention: The 16-wk intervention included a home-based walking program with a nonlinear exercise prescription tailored to baseline fitness level, heart rate monitor, and weekly phone call with an exercise physiologist. Controls received printed materials.
Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using VO ₂ peak; secondary outcomes included change in body size, anxiety, and QOL. Analyses were based on intention to treat.
Results and Limitations: Between 2016 and 2021, we randomized 51 men to intervention (n = 26) or control (n = 25). Follow-up was 88% (45/51), 85% (22/26) in the intervention and 92% (23/25) in the control group. At 16 wk, the intervention group had a higher mean VO ₂ peak than the control group (31.9 ± 4.7 vs 27.2 ± 4.8 ml/kg/min; group × time effect p value: <0.001). Additionally, the intervention group reported less fear of PC recurrence and urinary obstruction/irritation, while controls reported more of these two QOL measures, from 0 to 16 wk (p = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). Two participants discontinued the intervention, including one due to knee pain related to the study.
Conclusions: A home-based walking program improved VO ₂ peak and reduced urinary obstruction/irritation and fear of recurrence among men on AS for PC.
Patient Summary: Moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise improves fitness and quality of life among men on active surveillance for prostate cancer.
(Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)