A randomized controlled pilot of home-based exercise (HBEX) versus standard care (SC) among breast (BC) and prostate cancer (PC) patients receiving radiation therapy (RTH)

Abstract

8504 Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is reported in up to 97% of cancer patients during RTH. 60% rate it as moderate to severe. Fatigue can significantly reduce functional capacity (FC), treatment compliance, and QOL. Although there is no standard treatment for CRF, aerobic exercise has demonstrated a positive influence on CRF and FC during RTH, but the influence of combined resistance and aerobic exercise is not clear. We explored the efficacy of a low to moderate home-based exercise intervention, including resistance and aerobic training, to SC on CRF and domains of FC (aerobic capacity and strength), in a sample of BC and PC patients during RTH. Methods: BC and PC patients (N=38; ξ age=56; 71% BC), beginning at least 28 sessions of RTH were randomized to a 4wk HBEX (7 days/wk) or SC condition, with CRF (FACT subscale), aerobic capacity (6-min. walk), and strength (handgrip dynamometry) assessments pre and post-intervention. Results: Change scores indicated improvements in the HBEX group (N=19) in CRF (ξ=3.6, SE=2.1) and aerobic capacity (ξ=43.6, SE=52.3), while the SC group declined in CRF (ξ=-1.1, SE=1.1) and aerobic capacity (ξ=-28.5 SE=71.6). Change scores revealed declines in strength among both groups, however the HBEX group showed smaller declines in strength (ξ=-.05, SE=0.7) compared to the SC group (ξ=-.80, SE=.91). T-tests using intent-to-treat indicated statistically significant between group differences on changes in CRF (ES=.63; p=.05) from pre to post-intervention, as well as significantly higher aerobic capacity (ES=1.3; p<.001) with a statistical trend toward lower CRF (ES=.51; p=.09) between groups post-intervention. Conclusions: HBEX improved CRF and aerobic capacity, while SC resulted in declines. HBEX reduced declines in strength compared to SC. Future phase III randomized controlled trials are needed with larger samples to fully investigate the influence of this HBEX intervention on CRF, aerobic capacity and strength. Funded by NCI grant 1R25CA102618. No significant financial relationships to disclose.