Exercise as an adjuvant therapy for breast cancer: A review of current exercise oncology evidence and perspectives

Objective: To describe the effects and moderators of exercise on fatigue and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with breast cancer as well as the relationship between exercise and survival in this group of patients. Methods: We undertook a narrative review describing and discussing studies examining the effects of exercise on fatigue and cardiorespiratory fitness in breast cancer patients. Also, relevant information regarding the relationship between exercise and survival in cancer patients was examined.
Results: Exercise resulted in significant effects on cancer-related fatigue, with greater reductions observed in patients undertaking supervised exercise sessions or with higher fatigue levels. For cardiorespiratory fitness, exercise provides significant increases following aerobic-based exercise programs. Effects derived from exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness were more pronounced in younger patients, patients undertaking supervised aerobic-based exercise programs, or undertaking non-linear aerobic exercise prescriptions. Although epidemiological studies indicate associations between higher physical activity levels and overall survival, randomised controlled trials are necessary to confirm such a relationship for exercise in cancer patients.
Conclusion: Sufficient evidence indicates that exercise promotes significant effects on fatigue and cardio-respiratory fitness in women with breast cancer. In addition, specific subgroups of patients based on age and baseline levels appear to respond more favourably than others.