There is abundant evidence establishing the value of physical activity in managing side effects of ADT. Recently researchers in Denmark (including our colleague, Brigitta R. Villumsen, who has helped bring the LifeOnADT program to Europe) have strengthened this claim with a massive systematic review and meta-analysis.
The new study reviewed 18 randomized controlled trials involving over 1,400 men with prostate cancer. With such a large sample, the researchers were able to rigorously assess the effectiveness of supervised exercise therapy in managing ADT side effects. The 18 studies involved various forms of supervised physical exercise at moderate to high intensity, including resistance training and/or aerobic exercise. Exercise supervision occurred at least twice per week for at least 2 months.
The results were clear; compared to no exercise therapy, supervised exercise therapy was associated with improvements in disease-specific quality of life and physical capability as measured by walking performance. The benefits were both statistically significant and clinically meaningful. Furthermore, the results were relevant to all patients on ADT regardless of their cancer stage or type of ADT.
The authors concluded that their “results support a strong recommendation of supervised exercise therapy for managing side effects of ADT…” It’s recommended to start exercise therapy as soon as possible when commencing ADT, though exercise is still beneficial when started later on.
Many cancer centres now offer exercise classes for patients. It may be helpful to check with your local cancer centre about such options. Our website also lists some exercise resources that are available online (http://www.lifeonadt.com/links).
To read the full article, see: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41391-021-00450-0
Ussing, A., Mikkelsen, M. K., Villumsen, B. R., Wejlgaard, J., Bistrup, P. E., Birkefoss, K., & Bandholm, T. (2021). Supervised exercise therapy compared with no exercise therapy to reverse debilitating effects of androgen deprivation therapy in patients with prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases, 10.1038/s41391-021-00450-0. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41391-021-00450-0