Exercise has numerous advantages, including improving benefits for individuals with cancer. Observational studies have shown links between cancer outcomes and physical activity, and new research has expanded these findings to demonstrate a notable benefit of structured exercise for colon cancer survivors.
A team of researchers initiated a multicenter phase 3 clinical trial (NCT00819208) enrolling patients with resected colon cancer who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. The study assigned patients to participate in a structured exercise program or to receive health-education materials over three years. The researchers published the results of their research in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Patients in the exercise group were guided through a three-year structured exercise program, which included activities like walking, cycling, and elliptical workouts. They received professional support from exercise specialists, including kinesiologists and physical therapists, who met with them twice a month in the first year and once a month in the subsequent years. In contrast, patients in the health-education group received materials promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
The study included 889 patients and followed them for an average of 7.9 years. The results showed significantly longer disease-free survival (DFS) for patients in the exercise group compared to the health-education group. The five-year DFS was 6.4% higher for patients who followed the structured exercise program, and this benefit continued over the long term. Eight-year survival was also extended for patients in the exercise group (90.3%) compared to the health-education group (83.2%).
The study's findings are significant, demonstrating survival benefits for colon cancer patients who participated in a three-year structured exercise program. These findings highlight the importance of structured exercise programs and the support provided by exercise specialists, enlightening us about the potential benefits of such programs.
The results of this comprehensive clinical trial underscore the importance of incorporating support for behavioral changes into oncology care delivery. The study shows that education about healthy lifestyle changes is not sufficient to benefit survivorship. The benefits were realized only when the healthcare team provided patients with the necessary support to implement these changes successfully.
Sources: Cancers, NEJM
