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Preliminary Evidence on the Effects of Exercise on Tumor Biology: a Potential Guide for Prescribing Exercise

  • Cancer Rehabilitation (SR Smith, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This report reviews the preliminary evidence of how exercise may alter the tumor microenvironment and tumor biology in animal and human studies and how to incorporate this information in clinical practice of oncology rehabilitation.

Recent Findings

Potential mechanisms explaining the impact of exercise on the tumor microenvironment include activating and mobilizing immune cells, reducing inflammation, and modifying tumor vasculature which enhances the delivery of anticancer therapies. Pre-clinical data translates to promising preliminary data in human studies; however, randomized, controlled trials in patients are limited.

Summary

Despite the paucity of robust data demonstrating the beneficial effects of exercise on tumor biology, the strong observational and epidemiological data and limited interventional trials encourage the continued prescribing of exercise by rehabilitation professionals for cancer survivors.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1414, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    An Ngo-Huang

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive – MSC, San Antonio, TX, 7798, USA

    Brian C. Fricke

  3. Department of Pediatrics Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 853, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Keri L. Schadler

  4. Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1330, CPB 3.3278, PO Box 301439, Houston, TX, 77030-1439, USA

    Nathan H. Parker

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  1. An Ngo-Huang
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  2. Brian C. Fricke
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  3. Keri L. Schadler
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  4. Nathan H. Parker
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Correspondence to An Ngo-Huang.

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Ngo-Huang, A., Fricke, B.C., Schadler, K.L. et al. Preliminary Evidence on the Effects of Exercise on Tumor Biology: a Potential Guide for Prescribing Exercise. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 9, 136–141 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-021-00316-5

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