A large-scale analysis of clinical trials has demonstrated that exercise during chemotherapy for breast cancer significantly improves a patient’s quality of life, offering a new avenue for supportive care alongside medical treatment.
The findings, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, synthesize data from 21 randomized controlled trials encompassing over 3,000 women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, led the meta-analysis, which revealed consistent benefits across physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
“Chemotherapy places stress on every system in the body. Quality of life becomes a central outcome during treatment, not something to consider only after it ends,” said LaShae D. Rolle, MPH, CPH, lead author of the study and a predoctoral fellow at Sylvester.
While exercise following cancer treatment is widely recommended, the impact of physical activity during chemotherapy has been less clear. The new research aims to address that uncertainty, providing evidence to support the integration of exercise into a patient’s care plan from the outset.
The analysis examined a variety of exercise interventions, including aerobic activity like walking or cycling, strength or resistance training, and combined programs. The study found that no single type of exercise proved superior; all three approaches led to meaningful improvements in quality of life. This flexibility is particularly important given the fluctuating energy levels experienced by patients during chemotherapy.
“It’s not about pushing through exhaustion,” Rolle explained. “It’s about finding movement that supports the body while it’s under strain.”
Tracy Crane, Ph.D., RDN, co-author of the study, co-leader of the Cancer Control Program, and director of lifestyle medicine, prevention and digital health at Sylvester, emphasized the importance of personalization. “Exercise during treatment shouldn’t feel rigid or intimidating,” she said. “This study reinforces that patients can benefit from many different forms of movement, as long as the approach is safe, personalized, and realistic.”
The research specifically focused on women actively undergoing chemotherapy, distinguishing itself from studies examining cancer survivors post-treatment. This distinction is crucial, as the challenges and considerations for exercising during chemotherapy are unique. The findings align with existing clinical guidelines that advocate for physical activity during treatment, with appropriate medical supervision and adjustments based on individual needs.
The Sylvester Institute, where the research was conducted, recently launched a new initiative focused on improving the lives of cancer survivors, according to a University of Miami press release. This launch signals a broader commitment to holistic cancer care that extends beyond traditional medical interventions.
Rolle stated that the evidence generated by this study will give clinicians greater confidence in recommending exercise during chemotherapy and reassure patients that movement, when appropriately tailored, can be a valuable component of their overall care. The study’s authors suggest that integrating exercise into oncology care represents a shift towards a more comprehensive, whole-person approach to cancer treatment.
