Randomized trial of a clinic-based weight loss intervention in cancer survivors.

Abstract

This trial examined the efficacy of a clinic-based weight loss intervention in cancer survivors. This single-center phase II trial randomized survivors of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies to a 15-week group-based weight loss intervention that included caloric restriction and physical activity (n=30) or a wait-list control intervention (n=30). The primary study outcome was body mass. Secondary study outcomes included body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, physical fitness using the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and concentrations of serum biomarkers. Participants in the intervention group lost 5.6±4.4% of baseline weight (4.6±3.9kg), whereas participants in the control group gained 0.2±2.4% of baseline weight (0.2±2.0kg); intervention effect -5.8% (95% CI -7.8, -3.8); -4.8kg (95% CI -6.6, -3.0); P=0.0001. A larger proportion of participants in the intervention group lost ≥5% of baseline weight compared to the control group (43 vs 0%; P<0.0001). The intervention led to reductions in fat mass (-3.2±0.7kg; P<0.0001), improvements in physical fitness (an increase of 22.6±10.8m on 6MWT; P=0.03), and reductions in concentrations of insulin (-7.7±3.5μU/mL; P=0.004) and leptin (-7.3±4.0ng/mL; P=0.04). A 15-week clinic-based weight loss intervention resulted in significant weight loss and improvements in body composition, physical fitness, and concentrations of serum biomarkers in cancer survivors. Weight loss programs provide a number of benefits for cancer survivors; survivors should inquire about the availability of lifestyle programs offered at their cancer center and within their local communities.