Women with advanced breast cancer test workout benefits
Going to the gym may not be the first thing a woman thinks of following a breast cancer diagnosis. But studies have shown that exercise helps protect women against some of the side effects of treatment, improves their mood, and may even lower their risk of recurrence.
Would physical activity have similar benefits for women with metastatic disease? That question inspired Jennifer Ligibel, MD, to design a study looking at the benefits of moderately intense exercise for women with metastatic breast cancer. A total of 100 women are being recruited for the study, with half randomly assigned to start working with an exercise specialist immediately and the other half waiting four months before beginning to workout.
The regimen emphasizes core strength training and walking, working with a trainer, and exercising at home. In addition, each woman is provided with a free YMCA or Fitcorp membership for the duration of the investigation.
"Previous studies have shown that women newly diagnosed with breast cancer have decreased pain and nausea and feel stronger when they become more physically active," says Dr. Ligibel, an oncologist in the Women's Cancers Program.
"They have more energy, less sleep disturbance, less anxiety and depression," she adds. "We want to see if exercise can bring about those benefits in women with metastatic breast cancer, who are living longer today but may be sick from complications of the disease or side effects of treatment."
These symptoms are routinely managed with medication, and women may be taking as many as 20 drugs, Dr. Ligibel says. "We're trying to find ways to help people that don't involve taking more pills."
Most of the women who have entered the program are relatively inactive, says Dr. Ligibel. The impact of the exercise program will be measured using low-impact treadmill tests and questionnaires asking women how well they are able to function in their daily lives, and what symptoms and side effects they are experiencing from their cancer and treatment. Participants meet with an exercise physiologist weekly for four weeks, then once per month for the duration of the study. The target exercise goal is 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, such as walking at a comfortable pace, each week.
"We're hoping to find that women who increase their activity levels become more fit, are better able to care for themselves and their families, have less fatigue, and generally feel better," Dr. Ligibel explains.
For information about participating in the study, contact Nancy Campbell at (617) 632-6779.
