Are Exercise and Sitting Time During Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Associated with Treatment-related Side-effects, Chemotherapy Completion and Survival?

Navigating through ovarian cancer treatment is an arduous journey, one that involves not only coping with the disease itself but also managing the strenuous side effects of chemotherapy. In the search for strategies to mitigate these challenges, a particular study draws attention to the role of physical activity during treatment. It raises a compelling question: Could exercise and reduced sitting time during chemotherapy have a significant impact on side effects, treatment completion, and overall survival? This intriguing query forms the basis of a recent research study within the Ovarian Cancer Prognosis and Lifestyle (OPAL) Study framework.

Patients with ovarian cancer who carry out moderate-vigorous exercise during chemotherapy have fewer side-effects and potentially better completion of planned chemotherapy and overall survival.

A recent study endeavored to discern if exercise and sitting time during chemotherapy were associated with chemotherapy side-effects, completion of planned chemotherapy, and survival. The study assessed patients from the Ovarian Cancer Prognosis and Lifestyle (OPAL) Study, via 3-monthly questionnaires that inquired about exercise and sitting time in the past week, and treatment-related side-effects; also, details regarding patient treatment, toxicities, progression, and death were abstracted from medical records. 503 eligible participants were included in one or more analyses. Patients participating in higher-intensity exercise (≥30 min of moderate-vigorous exercise/week; 24%) reported significantly better results on the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness/Cancer Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue (32.2 vs. 26.7) and FACT-Trial Outcome Index (69.4 vs. 61.7) inventories, and were less likely to have clinician-reported moderate-severe neurotoxicity (nerve pain), than minimal exercisers (<30 min moderate-vigorous exercise/week & <120 min walking/week; 52%). Participating in higher-intensity exercise was also possibly associated with greater completion of a chemotherapy regimen but sitting time was not associated with chemotherapy completion. For patients with advanced disease who underwent surgery and received first-line chemotherapy, there was an indication that higher-intensity exercise during chemotherapy may improve survival. Ultimately, patients with ovarian cancer who carry out moderate-vigorous exercise during chemotherapy have fewer side-effects and potentially better completion of planned chemotherapy and overall survival.

By integrating moderate to vigorous exercise into their treatment regimen, patients may not only experience reduced side-effects but also enhance their likelihood of completing chemotherapy and improving survival outcomes.

The findings from this detailed analysis underscore a potentially transformative approach for patients undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. By integrating moderate to vigorous exercise into their treatment regimen, patients may not only experience reduced side-effects but also enhance their likelihood of completing chemotherapy and improving survival outcomes. These insights are crucial, encouraging healthcare professionals to consider exercise as a valuable adjunct therapy in cancer care. Further research is warranted to explore this relationship comprehensively and to establish concrete guidelines that can be implemented widely, offering hope and improved quality of life to those battling this formidable disease.

About Women’s Cancer Research Foundation:

The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF) is one of the most active research organizations in the nation. We are dedicated to studying and evaluating novel treatments for women afflicted with breast, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The WCRF persistently endeavors to make a difference in women’s lives by offering them hope, strength, and progress.