Introduction
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a key treatment in many men with Prostate Cancer (PCa). ADT has several side effects: metabolic syndrome, decreased muscle and bone mass, increased body fat, fatigue, loss of sexual functioning, reduced health-related quality of life (QoL), ... Early initiated physical training has been suggested to be beneficial in preventing ADT related side effects. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of a 6-months supervised physical exercise program (aerobic and resistance) on general health status, physical function and QoL in men with PCa treated with ADT.
Methods
27 PCa patients treated with ADT (age 71.4 ± 6.2 years, body mass index, BMI 29 ± 3 kg/m2) underwent 2 hours supervised exercise sessions during 6 months (twice weekly for 3 months, followed by once weekly for another 3 months). The program contained moderate to high intensity aerobic and resistance exercises: cycling, walking or jogging for 45 minutes at an intensity of ± 80% of the individual maximum heart rate, followed by resistance exercises targeting the major lower and upper body muscles. During a 9-month follow-up we measured BMI, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, HbA1c, glycaemia and lipid profile. EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire) and BTE Primus RS Dynamometer (BTE Technologies Inc, Hanover MD) were used to measure QoL and physical fitness, respectively.
Results
A positive effect on metabolic parameters, muscular strength and QoL was seen. A statistical significant decrease in BMI and abdominal circumference was noticed (p < 0,001). Resting heart rate decreased and muscle power increased significantly (p = 0,03 and p = 0,01 respectively). Also the results of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire improved (p = 0,01). There was a tendency towards an improved lipid profile and HbA1c, however not statistically significant (p = 0,19 and 0,07 respectively). The applied training program was well tolerated and characterized by a high satisfaction rate in all participants. An alarming incidence of remarkably unfavorable baseline cardio-metabolic profile was revealed at baseline in our study population.
Conclusion
Our data suggests that a 6-months supervised exercise training can be beneficial in preventing and treating ADT related side effects in PCa patients. We emphasize the importance of screening for cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients treated with ADT.