Exercise as Medicine in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Exercise as Medicine in Metastatic Breast Cancer

A recent clinical trial by Hiensch and colleagues, published in Nature Medicine in 2024, investigated how a supervised and individualized exercise program might benefit patients living with metastatic breast cancer. The study included 357 participants across multiple international centers who were undergoing systemic therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either an exercise intervention group or a usual-care control group, allowing researchers to compare the effects of structured exercise on physical and emotional outcomes during active cancer treatment.

The intervention consisted of twice-weekly supervised sessions led by exercise physiologists, incorporating both aerobic and resistance training. Sessions were tailored to each participant’s abilities, treatment schedule, and side effects, ensuring the program remained accessible and safe throughout the study. The control group received standard oncology care without a structured exercise program but were encouraged to maintain general physical activity according to standard guidelines.

Compared to the control group, patients in the exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in cancer-related fatigue, muscle strength, physical functioning, and overall quality of life. Notably, adherence was high, and no increase in adverse events was observed, confirming that individualized exercise is safe even in patients with advanced disease. Participants also reported improved emotional wellbeing and reduced anxiety—benefits that are especially valuable in the context of chronic cancer management.

This study reinforces the importance of integrating tailored movement into oncology care. Exercise is no longer viewed as optional or risky for those with metastatic cancer—it is an evidence-based supportive therapy that enhances both physical and psychological resilience. Patients are encouraged to discuss personalized exercise plans with their healthcare providers to ensure a safe, effective, and sustainable approach that fits their individual circumstances.

Reference:

Hiensch AE, Depenbusch J, Schmidt ME, Monninkhof EM, Pelaez M, Clauss D, Gunasekara N, Zimmer P, Belloso J, Trevaskis M, Rundqvist H, Wiskemann J, Müller J, Sweegers MG, Fremd C, Altena R, Gorecki M, Bijlsma R, van Leeuwen-Snoeks L, Ten Bokkel Huinink D, Sonke G, Lahuerta A, Mann GB, Francis PA, Richardson G, Malter W, van der Wall E, Aaronson NK, Senkus E, Urruticoechea A, Zopf EM, Bloch W, Stuiver MM, Wengstrom Y, Steindorf K, May AM. Supervised, structured and individualized exercise in metastatic breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Nat Med. 2024 Oct;30(10):2957-2966. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-03143-y. Epub 2024 Jul 25. PMID: 39054374; PMCID: PMC11485212.