Exercise and dietary intervention to improve the quality of life of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer

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Reeves, Marina
Sandler, Carolina
McCarthy, Nicole
Eakin, Elizabeth
Hayes, Sandi
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2022
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Brisbane, Australia

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Abstract

Background: Women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) experience reduced quality-of-life and physical wellbeing. In early-stage breast cancer, sufficient physical activity and a healthy diet are associated with improved quality-of-life and survival, however, their importance for women with MBC is unclear. Our qualitative work with consumers has identified a lack of support for women with MBC compared to early-stage breast cancer, underpinning the need for MBC-specific supportive care, and led to the co-design of this program of research. The Optimizing Care pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of a combined exercise and dietary intervention for women with MBC.

Methods: Participants received a 16-week individually-tailored program delivered (eight Exercise Physiologist sessions (targeting ≥150 min of moderate-intensity, mixed-mode exercise); eight dietitian sessions (targeting protein intake: 1.0–1.5 g/kg)), with assessment at baseline and end-of-intervention. Primary outcomes included intervention feasibility (retention, adherence, compliance) and safety (adverse events). Secondary outcomes were lean body mass (DXA), function (6-minute walk test, grip strength, 30-second sit-to-stand), quality-of-life (FACTB+4), fatigue (FACIT-F), anxiety and depression (HADS), and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale).

Results: Thirty-six women participated (mean 57 ± 9 years), 31 completed intervention (86%) and 23 completed end-of-intervention assessment (74%). Adherence to exercise and dietitian sessions was 86% (7 ± 2 sessions), with an average of 187 ± 82 min/week of exercise and no serious exercise-related adverse events. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the 6-minute walk test (p = .01), 30-second sit-to-stand (p = .01) and perceived stress (p = .05) with no significant changes in the remaining secondary outcomes. Similar changes in outcomes were observed between those with and without disease progression.

Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that exercise is safe and feasible for women with MBC with combined exercise and dietary support potentially ameliorating the negative effects of MBC on body composition, quality-of-life, and functional and psychosocial outcomes. A Phase III trial will commence in 2023.

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Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology

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18

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S3

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Oncology and carcinogenesis

Sport and exercise nutrition

Sports science and exercise

Public health nutrition

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Science & Technology

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Reeves, M; Sandler, C; McCarthy, N; Eakin, E; Hayes, S, Exercise and dietary intervention to improve the quality of life of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2022, 18 (S3), pp. 113-113