The role of deep learning-based survival model in improving survival prediction of patients with glioblastoma.

This retrospective study has been conducted to validate the performance of deep learning-based survival models in glioblastoma (GBM) patients alongside the Cox proportional hazards model (CoxPH) and the random survival forest (RSF). Furthermore, the effect of hyperparameters optimization methods on improving the prediction accuracy of deep learning-based survival models was investigated. Of the 305 cases, 260 GBM patients were included in our analysis based on the following criteria: demographic information (i.e., age, Karnofsky performance score, gender, and race), tumor characteristic (i.e., laterality and location), details of post-surgical treatment (i.e., time to initiate concurrent chemoradiation therapy, standard treatment, and radiotherapy techniques), and last follow-up time as well as the molecular markers (i.e., O-6-methylguanine methyltransferase and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 status). Experimental results have demonstrated that age (Elderly > 65: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.213-2.18; p value = 0.001) and tumors located at multiple lobes ([HR] = 1.75; 95% [CI]: 1.177-2.61; p value = 0.006) were associated with poorer prognosis. In contrast, age (young < 40: [HR] = 0.57; 95% [CI]: 0.343-0.96; p value = 0.034) and type of radiotherapy (others include stereotactic and brachytherapy: [HR] = 0.5; 95%[CI]: 0.266-0.95; p value = 0.035) were significantly related to better prognosis. Furthermore, the proposed deep learning-based survival model (concordance index [c-index] = 0.823 configured by Bayesian hyperparameter optimization), outperformed the RSF (c-index = 0.728), and the CoxPH model (c-index = 0.713) in the training dataset. Our results show the ability of deep learning in learning a complex association of risk factors. Moreover, the remarkable performance of the deep-learning-based survival model could be promising to support decision-making systems in personalized medicine for patients with GBM.

Effects of Neck Radiation on Result of Doppler Sonography of Carotid Arteries in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of neck radiation on the results of Doppler sonography of carotid arteries in head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 25 consecutive patients with head and neck cancers were assessed for carotid artery stenosis (CAS) by carotid color Doppler sonography before external radiotherapy and six months after external radiotherapy. Main outcome measures were peak systolic velocity (PSVs), end-diastolic velocities (EDVs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA), ICA/common carotid (CCA) ratios, and degree of stenosis. RESULTS: The age of the enrolled patients at the initiation of radiotherapy was 57.9±11.8 years (mean±SD; range, 43-91 years), and only 4 (16%) of the 25 patients were female. The findings showed significant changes in the plaque degree and stenosis degree, and plaque size before and after external radiotherapy (P<0.05). Changes in degree of stenosis were significantly correlated with age (p=0.021). CONCLUSION: After neck irradiation changes in the carotid artery may occur and cause subsequent neurologic events.

A novel formulation for radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis: Triamcinolone acetonide mucoadhesive film.

BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) mucoadhesive films versus placebo as a preventive and therapeutic intervention of oral mucositis (OM) induced by radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer (HNC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized case-controlled clinical trial, 60 HNC patients were randomized to receive TA mucoadhesive films (n = 30) or placebo mucoadhesive films (n = 30) taken four times daily. Mucositis severity was assessed during the course of radiation therapy using the World Health Organization scales, and pain scores were assessed using visual analog scale. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation age of the TA group was 58.53 ± 8.89 years and 60% were male, whereas in the placebo group, it was 56.46 ± 9.36 years and 56.7% were male (P > 0.05). The mean value of pain score was significantly reduced in the TA group (5.36 ± 1.29 vs. 2.20 ± 2.02) compared with the placebo group (5.34 ± 0.78 vs. 4.69 ± 0.77) during 4 weeks (P < 0.001); repeated measures ANOVA analysis showed that the mean value of grade mucositis was significantly reduced in the TA group (2.40 ± 0.49 vs. 0.96 ± 0.81) compared with the placebo group (2.36 ± 0.80 vs. 1.86 ± 0.93) during 4 weeks (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TA film could be considered as an effective approach for reducing the mucositis grading and pain score in the patients with OM.

Effect of livergol on the improvement of fatty liver in patients with cancer undergoing irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Livergol on the improvement of fatty liver in patients with cancer undergoing irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an add-on nonrandomized clinical trial study on thirty selected eligible cancer patients undergoing irinotecan (8 patients) and oxaliplatin (22 patients) with diagnosed fatty liver disease-based liver ultrasonography, as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Patients in each group received Livergol at a dose of 140 mg daily for 1 month. ALT and AST levels as well as grade of fatty liver were evaluated before and after intervention. RESULTS: In the oxaliplatin/Livergol group, 40% and 44.4% of patients who were in Grade 2 and 3 before intervention were altered to Grades 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.005), and in irinotecan/Livergol group, the mentioned percentages were 80% and 66.7% (P = 0.014). The mean levels of ALT and AST enzymes were decreased in both groups after tacking Livergol; however, the observed decreases were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the adding of Livergol to oxaliplatin and irinotecan regimens significantly improved the fatty liver of patients and none of them was superior.

Assessment of the quality of life of the patients with treated oral cancer in Iran.

PURPOSE: Oral cancer diagnosis and treatment could influence the well-being of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of oral cancer patients after their treatments. METHOD: In this descriptive-analytical study, all oral cancer patients' records were retrieved from the archives of the oral pathology departments of Isfahan dental school and Sayed-al-Shohada from 2004 to 2015. Telephone interviews were conducted to collect data using the short form 36 (SF-36) and Head and Neck (H&N35) questionnaire. Demographic information of participants as well as tumor-related information, including last treatment date, therapy method, differentiation grade (mild, moderate, poorly differentiated), primary place of tumor in the mouth, and history of recurrence were recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), t test, and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were used for data analysis (α = 0.5). RESULTS: From 223 registered patients, 73 were available. Most of the participants were in the age group of 29-87 years (61 ± 16.3). The mean of SF36 and H&N QOL was 63.77 ± 23.44 (from 100) and 63.7 ± 15.36 (35-140). Females and those receiving combined therapy had lower QOL status. Participants who received their last treatment earlier had a significantly better QOL for both scores (P value < 0.001). History of recurrence, older age, and lower education had a significant correlation with general and disease specific QOL (P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The general QOL of patients with oral cancer was lower than that of the normal population in most domains. The postoperative QOL in our patients was significantly influenced by demographic and tumor-related factors. These factors should be considered by the treatment teams.

Comparison of triamcinolone acetonide mucoadhesive film with licorice mucoadhesive film on radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis: A randomized double-blinded clinical trial.

AIM: Mucositis is a major complication of irradiation in head and neck tumors, the addition of chemotherapy to irradiation may enhance this dose-limiting problem. Licorice is a strong demulcent that had been effectively used in treatment of peptic ulcer. The main purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic safety and efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide (T) and licorice (L) mucoadhesive films on oral mucositis in terms of pain control and/or ulcer treatment. METHODS: The study was a double-blind, randomized prospective trial of two types of mucoadhesive films in the management of oral mucositis that occurred during head and neck cancer radiotherapy. Oral mucositis was assessed using a quantitative scale (World Health Organization scales) and symptoms were assessed using visual analog scale. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study: 30 patients in the triamcinolone and 30 in the licorice group. RESULTS: With respect to visual analog scores, repeated observations in consecutive weeks showed a meaningful difference (P-value < 0.05), suggesting the efficacy of both T and L in reducing pain during radiotherapy. Comparison of the pain scores between two groups by independent sample t-test, however, demonstrated no meaningful difference in any consecutive week. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that both triamcinolone and licorice mucoadhesive films are effective in the management of oral mucositis during radiotherapy. Furthermore, comparison of the pain scores between two groups demonstrated no meaningful difference, although an overall trend to reduced oral discomfort was seen in the licorice group.

Synergetic effects of Docetaxel and ionizing radiation reduced cell viability on MCF-7 breast cancer cell

Background: In recent decades neoadjuvant therapies such as combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been introduced for cancer management. Compared with monotherapy modalities, neoadjuvant therapy is associated with greater effectiveness while having minor side effects. Docetaxel is a chemotherapy agent for breast cancer treatment which can blocks the cell cycle at the G2/M phase which has shown special sensitivity to the ionizing radiation and hence causes cell death. To the best of our knowledge, there are currently no reports that explore the synergistic effects of Docetaxel and ionizing radiation on MCF-7 cancer cell death. Methods: We divided cells into four different groups; control, cells which got in touch with Docetaxel, cells that with exposure to radiotherapy and cells which were influenced with combination of Docetaxel and radiotherapy. In vitro cell viability tests were done at different concentration of Docetaxel and different dose of radiation for 24, 48 and 72 h after the experiment. Results: Results showed that the cytotoxicity was depending on the doses of radiation and Docetaxel. Radiation at 2 Gy dose was unable to produce significant effects neither in the radiation-only nor in the neoadjuvant therapy groups. However, the synergistic effects of neoadjuvant therapy were apparent at 4 and 6 Gy doses of radiation which could exert more significant cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells. Conclusions: Study findings suggest that neoadjuvant therapy by using Docetaxel and 4 and 6 Gy ionizing radiation has synergistic effects on MCF-7 cell death and produces more significant results compared with monotherapy modalities (AU)

The efficacy of combination of ondansetron and aprepitant on preventing the radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

BACKGROUND: Depending on the site of irradiation, about 40-80% of patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) will experience nausea and/or vomiting. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of ondansetronas as a single agent and with a combination to aprepitant on preventing RT-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a clinical randomized controlled trial (from September 2010 to September 2011), conducted in Radiation Oncology Department of Seyed-al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 40 abdominopelvic malignancies cancer patients were allocated into two aliquots using block randomization of size. Patients in the first group (group I) received ondansetron alone while those patients in the remaining group (group II) received ondansetron and aprepitant. Then, developing of RINV and its severity and benefit of adding aprepitant to ondansetron, in comparison with ondansetron as a single drug therapy were evaluated. RESULTS: The average age of the patients in group I was 61.15 ± 12.27 years while in group II it was 50.1 ± 13.27 years. No statistically significant gender differences were found between the two groups. In patients treated with ondansetron single drug therapy (group I), frequency and grade of RINV were significantly more than the group treated simultaneously by aprepitant and ondansetron (group II) (odds ratio [OR] = 21.2; P < 0.01). Compared with RT alone, the patients whom underwent RT along with chemotherapy showed lower probability of experiencing RINV (OR = 0.13; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study indicated a significant superiority of combination of ondansetron and aprepitant in management of RINV, in patients undergoing RT, compared to ondansetron as a single agent therapy. More accurate follow-up studies are needed for the evaluation of the efficacy of ondansetron with combination to aprepitant on preventing the RINV.

Double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effectiveness of green tea in preventing acute gastrointestinal complications due to radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced discomfort is frequently observed during pelvic radiotherapy. This study was performed to determine the effect of a green tea tablet to reduce the incidence of radiation-induced diarrhea and vomiting in patients with abdomen and pelvic malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial recruited 42 patients with abdomen and pelvic malignancy considered for treatment with 50 Gy radiotherapy, randomly assigned to the green tea tablet 450 mg (n = 21) or placebo group (n = 21) for 5 weeks. Acute gastrointesinal complications (Diarrhea and vomiting) were weekly assessed using Common Toxicity Criteria of the National Cancer Institute version 3.0 and functional living index emesis, respectively. Two-sample t-tests, Pearson's Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Friedman were used for analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in frequency of reported diarrhea between two groups of study at the end of study (P < 0.002). About 81% of patients in green tea group reported no history of diarrhea at week 5. The treatment group have reported no history of severe diarrhea during radiotherapy. There was no significant difference between two groups of study in frequency of vomiting throughout the study, but 9.5% of cases in placebo group showed severe vomiting. CONCLUSION: Green tea contains a high concentration of catechins could be effective in decreasing the frequency and severity of radiotherapy induced diarrhea. Green tea (450 mg/day) could be considered to be a safe for prevention diarrhea and vomiting in patients undergoing pelvic or abdomen radiotherapy.

Predictive value of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and carcinoembryonic antigen plasma levels in response to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. It has been suggested that tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) plays a particular role in cancer promotion. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of repeated measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and TIMP-1 plasma levels in a follow-up response to chemotherapy treatment in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer by surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients between 18 and 75 years old in both genders with rectal adenocarcinoma who referred to Sayed Al-Shohada Medical Center, during 6 months of study period enrolled in the study. Level of CEA and TIMP-1 were assessed before and after two cycles of chemotherapy. Furthermore, patients underwent computed tomography scan to assess response to chemotherapy. The sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) calculated for baseline level of CEA and TIMP. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied patients was 52.7 ± 7.5 years, 12 patients (48%) were male. Response to chemotherapy after two cycles was 80%. In patients who responded to chemotherapy level of TIMP after treatment was significantly decreased compared to before treatment (P < 0.0001). Before and after treatment in patients who responded to chemotherapy the level of TIMP was significantly lower than who did not response to chemotherapy (P < 0.05). The critical values for the prediction response to chemotherapy for CEA was >63 (AUC: 0.54) and for TIMP was ≤8823 (AUC: 0.68). CONCLUSION: The present study has identified a strong significant association between high plasma TIMP-1 levels and short survival in patients with colorectal cancer. In addition, results demonstrated that the TIMP-1 provides stronger prognostic information than CEA.

Spiritual therapy to improve the spiritual well-being of Iranian women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of spiritual therapy intervention in improving the spiritual well-being and quality of life (QOL) of Iranian women with breast cancer. Methods. This randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) recruited 65 women with breast cancer, randomly assigned to a 6-week spirituality-based intervention (n = 34) or control group (n = 31). Before and after six-week spiritual therapy intervention, spiritual well-being and quality of life (QOL) were assessed using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-being scale (FACIT-Sp12) and cancer quality-of-life questionnaire (QLQ-C30), respectively. t-test, Paired t-test, pearson's correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses were used for analysis using Predictive Analytic software (PASW, version 18) for Windows. Results. After six spiritual therapy sessions, the mean spiritual well-being score from 29.76 (SD = 6.63) to 37.24 (SD = 3.52) in the intervention group (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between arms of study (F = 22.91, P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was detected between meaning and peace with all subscales of functional subscales on European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of Life (EORTC QLQ-C30) (P < 0.05). Hierarchical regression analyses of participants indicated that the study arm, pain, and financial impact were significant predictors of spiritual well-being and overall QOL. Social functioning was another significant predictor of spiritual well-being. Conclusion. The results of this randomized controlled trial study suggest that participation in spiritual therapy program is associated with improvements in spiritual well-being and QOL. Targeted interventions to acknowledge and incorporate spiritual needs into conventional treatment should be considered in caring of Iranian patients with breast cancer.

The effect of spiritual therapy for improving the quality of life of women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

Diagnosis of breast cancer is a devastating psychological experience for a woman. Also, treatments such as radiation therapy may cause psychosocial distress in these patients and threaten their quality of life (QOL). Among several approaches, spirituality has been shown to be significantly associated with improving the QOL. The aim of this study was to assess the role of spiritual therapy intervention in improving the QOL of patients with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. This was a randomized controlled trial study undertaken in a radiotherapy clinic, Isfahan, Iran. Between October 2010 and February 2011, 68 patients under radiation therapy were randomized to either spiritual therapy intervention group or control group who received routine management and educational programs. Before and after six weeks of spiritual therapy sessions, the QOL was evaluated using Cancer quality-of-life questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 and breast cancer-specific questionnaire (BR-23). Multivariate, repeated-measures ANOVA, t-test, and Paired t-test were used for analysis using Predictive Analytic Soft Ware (PASW, version 18) for windows. In all, 65 patients actually completed the six-week intervention and were evaluated for the outcome. The mean Global health status score/QOL reached from 44.37 (SD = 13.03) to 68.63 (SD = 10.86), (p = 0.00). There was a statistically significant difference in all functional scales of QLQ-C30 after intervention (p < 0.05). The results of this trial showed that the spiritual therapy program can improve the overall QOL of women with breast cancer; therefore, it could be adopted in comprehensive care programs for women with breast cancer.

Translation and validation of the Persian version of the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-Spiritual well-being scale (FACIT-Sp) among Muslim Iranians in treatment for cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp) scale is a valid and reliable instrument to provide an inclusive measure of spirituality in research and clinical practice. The aim of this study was to translate and investigate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the FACIT-Sp. METHOD: The 12 item spiritual well-being subscale of the FACIT-Sp Version 4 was translated into the Persian language, Farsi, using the FACIT translation methodology. The questionnaire was administered to a diverse sample of 153 patients in treatment for cancer. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's α coefficient, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied to assess construct validity, and regression analysis was used to assess the predictor role of the FACIT-Sp in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). RESULTS: Cronbach's α reliability coefficient for the FACIT-Sp subscales ranged from 0.72 to 0.90. The CFA generally replicated the original conceptualization of the three subscales of the FACIT-Sp12 (Peace, Meaning, and Faith). All three subscales significant predicted HRQOL. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The Persian version of the FACIT-Sp scale is a reliable and valid tool for the clinical assessment of, and research into, the spiritual well-being of Muslim Iranian and Farsi-speaking patients in other regions of the world who are in treatment for cancer.

Spiritual well-being and quality of life in Iranian women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: Psychological distress and morbidity are common consequences of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and associated with poor quality of life (QOL). Spiritual well-being is an important aspect of QOL, but little is known about the spiritual well-being and its relationship with QOL in patients of different cultures such as Iranian Muslim patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of QOL and spirituality among patients with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study which was conducted in the Breast Cancer Research Center of St. S. Al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Spiritual well-being was measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp12). The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life (EORTC QLQ-C30) and its supplementary breast cancer questionnaire (QLQ-BR23) were used to assess the quality of life of patients. Descriptive analysis, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis were performed for statistical assessment. RESULTS: In all, 68 patients fulfilled the study's inclusion criteria and were interviewed. The mean global QOL was 41.42 (SD = 18.02), and the mean spiritual well-being was 28.41 (SD = 6.95). There was a significant positive correlation between general QOL and total spiritual well-being scores. Also, spiritual well-being, social functioning, pain, and arm symptoms were significant predictors of global QOL. DISCUSSION: The results of this study provide evidence that breast cancer survivors in Iran experience a poor quality of life across a broad spectrum of health domains, particularly social, emotional, and spiritual, indicating that psychosocial-spiritual support should be considered in caring for patients with breast cancer.

Effect of combination exercise training on metabolic syndrome parameters in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

CONTEXT: Studies have shown that physical activity or exercise training may decrease the metabolic syndrome. AIM: The aim of the present study is to clarify the effect of combination exercise training on metabolic syndrome parameters in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. SETTING AND DESIGN: Twenty nine postmenopausal women (58.27 +/- 6.31 years) with breast cancer were divided into two groups randomly as experimental group (n=14) and control group (n=15). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects of experimental group were performed 15 weeks combination exercise training including walking (2 sessions per week) and resistance training (2 sessions per week that was different from walking days). Before and after 15 weeks, fasting insulin and glucose, insulin resistance, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) were calculated. Also, Vo2peak, rest heart rate (RHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured in two groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Mean values of two groups in pre and post test were compared by independent and paired t-test for all measurements (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed for VO2peak, RHR, BW, BMI, WHR, SBP, fasting insulin and glucose, HDL-C and TG between experimental and control groups after 15 weeks (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combination exercise training can improve metabolic syndrome parameters in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

Clinical evaluation of BIOXTRA in relieving signs and symptoms of dry mouth after head and neck radiotherapy of cancer patients at Seyed-al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy of head and neck cancers causes acute and chronic xerostomia and acute mucositis. Xerostomia increases risk of radiation caries and affects on oral comfort, fit of prostheses, speech, swallowing, and the growth of caries-producing organisms. Salivary flow rate can be measured by asking patients some questions. There are different types of commercial synthetic saliva such as BIOXTRA, but until now, no one can effectively relieve xerostomia. We tried to design a clinical research on BIOXTRA efficacy for treating xerostomia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this research, 58 patients with head and neck cancer (except salivary gland cancers) treated in Seyed-al-Shohada Hospital. The patients received at least 40-50 GY; and after 2 months of compilation treatment, they were evaluated by asking about having xerostomia. Before and after treatment with the BIOXTRA, the PH of the oral cavity, candida albicans, and lactobacillus counts measured and documented in laboratory. We used BIOXTRA for 2 weeks, 3 times daily, and then re-evaluated patients with some questions. RESULTS: The counts of candida albicans and lactobacilli statistically significant decreased. CONCLUSION: Xerostomia for most patients improved clinically during the day and night while PH of the oral cavity increased.

The effects of exercise training on maximum aerobic capacity, resting heart rate, blood pressure and anthropometric variables of postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on maximum aerobic capacity, resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure and anthropometric variables of postmenopausal women with breast cancer. METHODS: Twenty nine women with breast cancer who received surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy with current hormone therapy were divided into two groups; intervention and control. Subjects in the intervention group performed 15 weeks combination exercise training including walking for 25 to 45 minutes (2 sessions per week) and resistance training for 60 minutes (2 sessions per week that were different from walking days). In pre and post tests, VO(2)max, RHR, blood pressure, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured in both groups. Data was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed for VO (2)max, RHR, body weight, BMI and WHR between intervention and control groups after 15 weeks (p < 0.05). In fact, exercise training had positive effects on the VO (2)max, RHR, body weight, BMI and WHR in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. No significant different was found for blood pressure between two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that exercise training may improve maximum aerobic capacity, RHR and anthropometric variables in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.