-
1.
The effects of home-based exercise therapy for breast cancer-related fatigue induced by radical radiotherapy.
Mavropalias, G, Cormie, P, Peddle-McIntyre, CJ, Galvão, DA, Taaffe, DR, Schofield, C, Ray, S, Zissiadis, Y, Newton, RU
Breast cancer (Tokyo, Japan). 2023;30(1):139-150
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common form of cancer among women. Radiotherapy (RT) treatment is an important component of breast cancer treatment and is used with curative intent as well as for palliation. One commonly reported adverse side effect of RT is cancer related fatigue (CRF). The aims of this study were to (a) examine the effects of a 12-week home-based resistance and aerobic exercise program on CRF, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and sleep quality and duration in BCa patients during and up to 12 months after RT, and (b) investigate how CRF, HRQoL, and sleep quality and duration affect the participants’ ability to follow their prescribed exercise program. This study was a two-arm, randomised controlled clinical trial. One hundred and six (n = 106) women with stage I-III BCa scheduled to receive radical RT were randomised into exercise (n = 51) or usual care (n = 55). Results show that CRF was present at baseline and persisted during RT. The exercise group had a quicker reduction in CRF compared to the usual care group. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the HRQoL during RT between groups, and a quicker HRQoL improvement post-RT for the exercise group, with no changes in sleep quality or duration. Additionally, less fatigue and less trouble sleeping were associated with greater weekly aerobic exercise duration and higher rating of perceived exertion during aerobic exercise. Authors conclude that home-based exercise during RT is safe and effective in reducing CRF and improving HRQoL
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy (RT) can lead to cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this trial was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a home-based resistance and aerobic exercise intervention for reducing CRF and improving HRQoL in breast cancer patients during RT. METHODS Women with breast cancer (N = 106) commencing RT were randomized to 12 weeks of home-based resistance and aerobic exercise (EX) or usual care/control (CON). The primary endpoint was CRF, with secondary endpoints of HRQoL, sleep duration and quality, and physical activity. Measurements were undertaken prior to RT, at completion of RT (~ 6 weeks), at completion of the intervention (12 weeks), and 6 and 12 months after RT completion, while CRF was also measured weekly during RT. RESULTS Eighty-nine women completed the study (EX = 43, CON = 46). Over the 12-week intervention, EX completed 1-2 resistance training sessions and accumulated 30-40 min of aerobic exercise weekly. For CRF, EX had a quicker recovery both during and post-RT compared to CON (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant difference in HRQoL between groups at RT completion, with HRQoL unchanged in CON and higher in EX (p < 0.05). There was no change in sleep duration or quality for either group and there were no exercise-related adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Home-based resistance and aerobic exercise during RT is safe, feasible, and effective in accelerating CRF recovery and improving HRQoL. Improvements in CRF and HRQoL for these patients can be achieved with smaller exercise dosages than stated in the generic recommendations for breast cancer.
-
2.
Device assessed activity behaviours in patients with indwelling pleural catheter: A sub-study of the Australasian Malignant PLeural Effusion (AMPLE)-2 randomized trial.
Peddle-McIntyre, CJ, Muruganandan, S, McVeigh, J, Fitzgerald, DB, Straker, L, Newton, RU, Murray, K, Lee, YCG
Respirology (Carlton, Vic.). 2023;(6):561-570
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Device-assessed activity behaviours are a novel measure for comparing intervention outcomes in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Australasian Malignant PLeural Effusion (AMPLE)-2 was a multi-centre clinical trial where participants with MPE treated with an indwelling pleural catheter were randomized to daily (DD) or symptom-guided (SGD) drainage for 60-days. Our aim was to describe activity behaviour patterns in MPE patients, explore the impact of drainage regimen on activity behaviours and examine associations between activity behaviours and quality of life (QoL). METHODS Following randomization to DD or SGD, participants enrolled at the lead site (Perth) completed accelerometry assessment. This was repeated monthly for 5-months. Activity behaviour outcomes were calculated as percent of daily waking-wear time and compared between groups (Mann-Whitney U test; Median [IQR]). Correlations between activity behaviour outcomes and QoL were examined. RESULTS Forty-one (91%) participants provided ≥1 valid accelerometry assessment (DDn = 20, SGD n = 21). Participants spent a large proportion of waking hours sedentary (72%-74% across timepoints), and very little time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (<1% across timepoints). Compared to SGD group, DD group had a more favourable sedentary-to-light ratio in the week following randomization (2.4 [2.0-3.4] vs. 3.2 [2.4-6.1]; p = 0.047) and at 60-days (2.0 [1.9-2.9] vs. 2.9 [2.8-6.0]; p = 0.016). Sedentary-to-light ratio was correlated with multiple QoL domains at multiple timepoints. CONCLUSION Patients with MPE are largely sedentary. Preliminary results suggest that even modest differences in activity behaviours favouring the DD group could be meaningful for this clinical population. Accelerometry reflects QoL and is a useful outcome measure in MPE populations.
-
3.
Changes in body composition in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma and the relationship with activity levels and dietary intake.
Jeffery, E, Lee, YCG, Newton, RU, Lyons-Wall, P, McVeigh, J, Fitzgerald, DB, Straker, L, Peddle-McIntyre, CJ
European journal of clinical nutrition. 2022;(7):979-986
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle loss is common in advanced cancer and is associated with negative outcomes. In malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), no study has reported body composition changes or factors associated with these changes. This study aimed to describe changes in body composition over time and its relationship with activity levels, dietary intake and survival. METHODS The study was a secondary analysis of data collected from a longitudinal observational study of patients with MPM. Participants completed 3-month assessments for up to 18 months. Participants with two dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were included. Changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and total fat mass were used to categorise participants into phenotypes. Activity levels were measured with an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer and energy and protein intake was measured with a 3-day food record and 24-h recall. RESULTS Eighteen participants were included (89% men, mean age 68.9 ± 7.1 years). Median time between DXA was 91 [IQR 84-118] days. Compared to participants with ASM maintenance (n = 9), fewer participants with ASM loss (n = 9) survived ≥12 months from follow-up (p = 0.002). Participants with ASM loss increased sedentary time (p = 0.028) and decreased light activity (p = 0.028) and step count (p = 0.008). Activity levels did not change in participants with ASM maintenance (p > 0.05). Energy and protein intake did not change in either group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Muscle loss was associated with poorer survival and decreased activity levels. Interventions that improve physical activity or muscle mass could benefit patients with MPM.
-
4.
Randomised placebo-controlled cross-over study examining the role of anamorelin in mesothelioma (The ANTHEM study): rationale and protocol.
Hoon, SN, Fyfe, K, Peddle-McIntyre, CJ, Bowyer, S, Hawkins, F, Jeffery, E, Chih, HJ, Creaney, J, Nowak, A, Brims, F
BMJ open respiratory research. 2020;(1)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cachexia is common in malignant mesothelioma (MM); half of patients have malnutrition and low skeletal muscle mass. Malnourished patients have worse quality of life (QoL). Weight loss is strongly associated with poor survival. Anamorelin is an oral ghrelin receptor agonist that improves appetite, body weight and QoL in advanced cancer. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of anamorelin in improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and patient-reported outcomes in patients with MM with cachexia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A single-centre, phase II, randomised, placebo-controlled cross-over pilot study with 28-day treatment periods and 3-day washout. Forty patients will be randomised. Primary outcome is change in ASM relative to height measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at end of period 1. Secondary outcomes include cancer-specific and cachexia-related QoL, objective physical activity, dietary intake and adverse events. Eligible patients will have confirmed MM, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0-2, expected survival >3 months and cachexia (defined as >5% weight loss in 6 months or body mass index <20 kg/m2 with weight loss >2%). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been granted. Results will be reported in peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (U1111-1240-6828).
-
5.
A Review of Accelerometer-based Activity Monitoring in Cancer Survivorship Research.
Peddle-McIntyre, CJ, Cavalheri, V, Boyle, T, McVeigh, JA, Jeffery, E, Lynch, BM, Vallance, JK
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2018;(9):1790-1801
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the cancer survivorship context, physical activity and sedentary behavior have been measured using different methods. PURPOSE To conduct a narrative review of published research in cancer survivor populations to summarize the quality and identify gaps in reporting on accelerometer data collection, data processing, and outcome measures in cancer survivors. METHODS An initial PubMed® search of articles published in English was conducted in January 2017, and a final search was conducted in May 2017. Variables extracted included study characteristics, methods for accelerometry data collection (e.g., device used), data processing (e.g., cut points used), and data reporting (e.g., time spent in different activity intensities). RESULTS A total of 46 articles were eligible for inclusion in the review. The majority of studies (34 of 46) targeted a single cancer group and 18 of these 34 studies were in survivors of breast cancer. Half (54%) of the studies used an ActiGraph® accelerometer. Methods of accelerometer data processing varied across studies. Definitions of non-wear time, vectors used during processing, and filters applied during processing were reported by 51%, 60%, and 8% of studies, respectively. Most studies reported moderate and vigorous physical activity (78%), 50% reported sedentary time, and 43% reported light-intensity activity. Cut points to categorize these activities varied between studies. CONCLUSIONS This narrative review highlights inconsistency in the methods used to collect, process, and report accelerometry data across cancer survivor studies. Accelerometry has potential to add detailed knowledge of the levels and patterns of physical activities and sedentary behaviors across the cancer spectrum. Recommendations are made to improve data processing and reporting methods to maximize the scientific validity of future accelerometer research in this field.
-
6.
Exercise Preserves Physical Function in Prostate Cancer Patients with Bone Metastases.
Galvão, DA, Taaffe, DR, Spry, N, Cormie, P, Joseph, D, Chambers, SK, Chee, R, Peddle-McIntyre, CJ, Hart, NH, Baumann, FT, et al
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2018;50(3):393-399
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Existing research indicates cancer patients with bone metastases should not participate in exercise due to potential risks to the skeletal system. However, current oncology guidelines suggest that all cancer patients should avoid inactivity, including those with bone metastases. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of exercise among 57 prostate cancer patients with bone metastases. Participants were randomised to either participate in exercise or receive usual care for three months. Exercise consisted of supervised aerobic activity, resistance training and stretching three days a week. Overall health status and physical function was measured by self-reported questionnaire. This study found self-reported physical functioning and lower muscle strength was improved significantly in the exercise group. There were no difference in bone pain between groups, and no adverse events occurred. Based on these results, the authors conclude exercise is safe and can help improve physical functioning among prostate cancer patients with bone metastasis.
Abstract
PURPOSE The presence of bone metastases has excluded participation of cancer patients in exercise interventions and is a relative contraindication to supervised exercise in the community setting because of concerns of fragility fracture. We examined the efficacy and safety of a modular multimodal exercise program in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases. METHODS Between 2012 and 2015, 57 prostate cancer patients (70.0 ± 8.4 yr; body mass index, 28.7 ± 4.0 kg·m) with bone metastases (pelvis, 75.4%; femur, 40.4%; rib/thoracic spine, 66.7%; lumbar spine, 43.9%; humerus, 24.6%; other sites, 70.2%) were randomized to multimodal supervised aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises undertaken thrice weekly (EX; n = 28) or usual care (CON; n = 29) for 3 months. Physical function subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 was the primary end point as an indicator of patient-rated physical functioning. Secondary end points included objective measures of physical function, lower body muscle strength, body composition, and fatigue. Safety was assessed by recording the incidence and severity of any adverse events, skeletal complications, and bone pain throughout the intervention. RESULTS There was a significant difference between groups for self-reported physical functioning (3.2 points; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-6.0 points; P = 0.028) and lower body muscle strength (6.6 kg; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-12.7; P = 0.033) at 3 months favoring EX. However, there was no difference between groups for lean mass (P = 0.584), fat mass (P = 0.598), or fatigue (P = 0.964). There were no exercise-related adverse events or skeletal fractures and no differences in bone pain between EX and CON (P = 0.507). CONCLUSIONS Multimodal modular exercise in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases led to self-reported improvements in physical function and objectively measured lower body muscle strength with no skeletal complications or increased bone pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12611001158954.
-
7.
Whole Body Vibration Exposure on Markers of Bone Turnover, Body Composition, and Physical Functioning in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Baker, MK, Peddle-McIntyre, CJ, Galvão, DA, Hunt, C, Spry, N, Newton, RU
Integrative cancer therapies. 2018;(3):968-978
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women with breast cancer are often prescribed aromatase inhibitors, which can cause rapid loss of bone mass leading to significant potential for morbidity. Vibration training has been shown to be helpful in reducing bone turnover in postmenopausal women without cancer. AIM: To examine the effect of vibration stimulus on markers of bone turnover in breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitors. METHODS Thirty-one breast cancer survivors undergoing treatment with aromatase inhibitors were randomized to vibration stimulus (n = 14) or usual care control (n = 17). Low-frequency and low-magnitude vibration stimulus (27-32 Hz, 0.3 g) was delivered in supervised sessions via standing on a vibration platform for 20 minutes, 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was blood markers of bone resorption (serum N-telopeptide X/creatine) and formation (serum type 1 procollagen N-terminal propeptide; P1NP). Other study outcomes body composition as well as measures of physical functioning. Outcomes were compared between groups using analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline values as well as time on aromatase inhibitors. OUTCOMES On average, participants were 61.5 years old and overweight (ie, body mass index = 28.5 kg/m2). Following vibration training, there was no significant difference between groups for bone resorption (adjusted group difference 0.5, P = .929) or formation (adjusted group difference 5.3, P = .286). There were also no changes in any measure of physical functioning body composition. CONCLUSIONS Short-term low-magnitude vibration stimulus does not appear to be useful for reducing markers of bone turnover secondary to aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer patients; nor is it useful in improving physical function or symptoms. However, further investigations with larger samples and higher doses of vibration are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12611001094965).