Effects of a structured weight-bearing exercise program on bone metabolism among breast cancer survivors: a feasibility trial.

PURPOSE: Treatments for breast cancer, specifically hormonal therapy, accelerate bone loss (BL) among breast cancer survivors, leading to osteoporosis and an increase in fracture risk. Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a moderate form of weight-bearing exercise, equivalent to walking, and it has been shown to improve aerobic capacity and strength among breast cancer survivors and might also be effective in slowing bone loss in breast cancer survivors. This pilot study compared the influence of TCC with that of standard support therapy (ST; exercise control) on BL biomarkers among breast cancer survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Randomly assigned breast cancer survivors (N = 16; median age, 53 years; < 30 months after treatment) completed 12 weeks (3 times per week, 60 minutes per session) of TCC or ST. Serum levels of N-telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx), a marker of bone resorption, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), a marker of bone formation, were determined according to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: Using analysis of covariance, survivors in the TCC group experienced a greater increase in levels of bone formation (BSAP [microg/L]: before, 8.3; after, 10.2; change, 1.9 microg/L and 22.4%), compared with survivors in ST (BSAP [microg/L]: before, 7.6; after, 8.1; change, 0.5 microg/L [6.3%]). Survivors in the TCC group also experienced a significant decrease in bone resorption (NTx [nanomoles bone collagen equivalent; nmBCE]: before, 17.6; after, 11.1; change, -6.5 nmBCE; -36.9%), whereas women in the ST group did not (NTx [nmBCE]: before, 20.8; after, 18.8; change, -2.0 nmBCE; -9.6%). CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests that weight-bearing exercise exerts positive effects on BL, through increased bone formation and decreased bone resorption. Further examinations of the influence of TCC on bone health are warranted.

The effect of secondhand smoke exposure on the association between active cigarette smoking and colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Studies published prior to 1980 failed to find an association between smoking and colorectal cancer, while subsequent studies reported an association after accounting for a three to four decade initiation period. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of accounting for secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on the association between smoking and colorectal cancer and to determine the association between SHS and colorectal cancer. METHODS: Approximately 1,200 colorectal cancer cases treated at Roswell Park Cancer Institute between 1982 and 1998 were matched to 2,400 malignancy-free controls. The effect of accounting for SHS exposure was determined by comparing the odds ratios (OR) for each smoking variable in the overall sample and then for those who reported no current SHS exposure. RESULTS: A small, significant increase in colorectal cancer odds was noted for heavy, long-term smoking males when not accounting for SHS exposure (>45 PY: OR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.04-1.72). OR increased when the analyses were restricted to individuals reporting no current SHS exposure (>45 PY: OR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.36-4.23). CONCLUSIONS: Accounting for SHS exposure resulted in a substantial increase in the odds of colorectal cancer for all smoking variables in this study. Future studies should account for SHS exposure when examining the association between smoking and colorectal cancer.

A 4-week home-based aerobic and resistance exercise program during radiation therapy: a pilot randomized clinical trial.

During radiation therapy, cancer patients may report cancer-related fatigue (CRF), which impairs aerobic capacity, strength, muscle mass, and, ultimately, quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this pilot clinical trial was to examine the feasibility and initial efficacy of a home-based aerobic and progressive resistance exercise intervention for aerobic capacity, strength, muscle mass, CRF, and QOL. Daily steps walked (DSW), daily minutes of resistance exercise (MRE), and number of resistance exercise days (RED) were assessed to evaluate intervention adherence. Breast and prostate cancer patients (n = 38) beginning radiation therapy were randomized to undergo 4 weeks of exercise or no exercise. Participants in the exercise group demonstrated good adherence to the exercise intervention, with significantly more DSW, MRE, and RED at post intervention and 3 month follow-up than controls. Participants in the exercise intervention exhibited significantly higher QOL and significantly lower CRF post intervention and at 3-month follow-up than controls. Results of this pilot study provide positive preliminary evidence that exercise during radiation may be beneficial for cancer patients.

Exercise and Cancer-related Fatigue.

Cancer-related fatigue is the most common side effect reported by cancer patients during and after treatment. Cancer-related fatigue significantly interferes with a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and maintain functional independence and quality of life. Cancer-related fatigue can also interfere with a patient's ability to complete treatments. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of cancer-related fatigue, its pathopsychophysiology, and the role of exercise in the management of this side effect.

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting.

Despite treatment advances, nausea and vomiting, especially anticipatory nausea and vomiting, delayed nausea and vomiting and nausea alone, are still the most common, expected and feared side effects among patients receiving chemotherapy. Of the 70 to 80% of cancer patients who experience chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting many will delay or refuse future chemotherapy treatments and contemplate stopping all treatments because of fear of further nausea and vomiting. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the patho-psychophysiology of CINV, the recommended guidelines for standard treatment, and highlight newer targeted treatment approaches.