Exercise During Chemotherapy for Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Authors :: Walker RC
Pezeshki P
Barman S
Ngan S
Whyte G
Lagergren J
Gossage J
Kelly M
Baker C
Knight W
West MA
Davies AR
Source :: Journal of surgical oncology [J Surg Oncol] 2024 Oct 23. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Oct 23.
Publication Year :: 2024
Publisher :: Ahead of Print
Abstract: Exercise prehabilitation may improve the tolerance and effectiveness of anticancer treatments such as chemotherapy. This systematic review assesses the impact of exercise on chemotherapy outcomes and identifies research priorities. Nineteen studies (1418 patients) were reviewed, including 11 randomised controlled trials and eight observational studies. Exercise led to improvements in body composition, fitness, strength and quality of life (QoL) across studies. Exercise can be safely and effectively delivered during chemotherapy. Limited standardisation and small sample sizes highlight the need for larger, better-designed studies to optimise this low-cost intervention.<br /> (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Surgical Oncology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)