Cardiometabolic health in men with prostate cancer under active surveillance following a home-based exercise program—A secondary analysis.

Abstract

e22617 Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer affecting men in the US, with cardiovascular disease and neurologic decline being common comorbidities. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality within this patient population. Physical activity has been shown to improve quality of life in both PCa patients and the general population. Here, we report preliminary findings of a pilot study that aimed to evaluate the effects of a home-based exercise intervention on various biomarkers of health in PCa patients. Methods: A pilot, 2-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effects of a 24-week home-based walking intervention combined with body-weight exercises on men under active surveillance for PCa. The study aimed to recruit 30 men diagnosed with PCa under active surveillance with a Gleason score of 3+3 above the age of 40 with no contraindications to exercise were recruited to take part in the study. Anthropometric, physical function (6 min walk test) and biomarkers associated with cardiovascular health (A2M, fetuin A, AGP, fibrinogen, L-selectin, SAP, CXCL4/PF4, adipsin) and metabolic health (BDNF, FGF-21, leptin) were assessed at baseline and end of study. Within group and between group comparisons were performed. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Due to COVID restrictions, 27 men consented to be in the study of which 7 men in the exercise group and 4 men in the control group completed all study assessments before local distancing protocols halted the study. No significant differences were found in anthropometric outcomes between or within treatment groups. Though not significant, an increase in 6MWT distance was seen in the intervention group (baseline: 451.2 ± 95.9 m; final: 484.2 ± 78.6 m) compared to a decrease in the control group (baseline: 414.1± 65.99 m; final: 411.8 ± 25.84 m). Further, between group comparisons at the end of study found a tendency for the exercise group to travel further during the 6 min test (+17.5%; p = 0.07). No significant differences were seen between or within group for the biomarkers measured. Percent change from baseline showed tendencies (p < 0.10) for higher concentrations in the exercise group for A2M, fetuin, AGP and SAP. Conclusions: This preliminary analysis of a cardiovascular profile shows an unexpected increase in cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers following an exercise program. Because of the COVID pandemic, further research with powered sample size needs to be performed. Clinical trial information: NCT03397030 .