Effect of a multidisciplinary intervention based on a supervised training program on cardiovascular risk and quality of life in early stage breast cancer patients.

Abstract

545 Background: There is growing evidence that physical activity can enhance cancer care. Exercise programs have been shown to help manage treatment side effects, improve functional outcomes, enhance overall quality of life, and reduce fatigue. Additionally, obesity and cardiovascular disease are among the most common comorbidities in breast cancer survivors. However, despite these benefits, exercise is still not widely prescribed to oncology patients. A multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals is crucial to ensuring that exercise interventions are tailored to individual needs. Our study aims to determine whether a 12-week exercise intervention can improve physical fitness and reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with early-stage breast cancer after completing oncologic treatment. For the first time, impact is assessed by measuring cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂ max) and muscle strength, including range of motion, speed, and power. Methods: A total of 75 women with histologically confirmed Stage I-III primary breast cancer who have recently completed all cancer-related treatments were included. Through computer-generated simple randomization, participants were assigned to resistance training (RTG; two sessions/week for 12 weeks) or control (CG; general physical activity guidelines recommendations). Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and week 12. Muscular strength ( including range of motion, speed, and power) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness (measured by VO₂ max- maximum rate of oxygen consumption attainable during exercise), cancer-related fatigue and HRQoL. All participants had Performance status 0 or 1 and completed the EUROQOL-5D 5L and EORTC-QLQ-C30 QoL online survey. Results: The expected number of 75 patients was enroled in the study (mean age 55.9 ± 7.4 years, all female). Patients assigned to the intervention had a significant positive change in HRQoL total score [mean difference 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2; 7.3; P = .038], body mass index [mean difference −0.7 kg/m2 (95% CI −1.3; −0.1); P = .022], muscle strength [mean difference 2.5 (95% CI 0.1; 5); P = .044; effect size 0.39], and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) [mean difference 2.7 (95% CI 0.8; 4.6); P = .007]. No significant changes were observed in the control group between week 0 and 12. Conclusions: This 12-week supervised exercise-based programme improved HRQoL, body mass index, muscle strength, range of motion, and power in loads while notably enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness. Integrating exercise into standard healthcare practice can significantly improve patient's quality of life and reduce cardiovascular risk.