New research suggests exercise may help to shrink cancerous tumours
Exercise could bring added benefits for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, potentially reducing the amount of drugs they require, according to research led by the University of Pennsylvania.
Researchers, whose findings have now been published in the American Journal of Physiology, found that study work performed in a mouse model of melanoma showed that combining exercise with chemotherapy shrunk tumours more so than just chemotherapy alone.
The investigation had originally set out to observe the impact of exercise on the common chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, which has been linked to negative cardiac-related side effects.
Doxorubicin is known for being effective at treating a variety of cancers, but it is also known to damage heart cells – potentially elevating the risk of cardiovascular disease in the long-term.
To explore whether an exercise regimen during chemotherapy could be beneficial, the scientists brought together four groups of mice, all of which were given an injection of melanoma cells into the scruffs of their necks.
To counter the cells, two of the groups received doxorubicin in two doses, with the other two groups receiving placebo injections.
Mice in one of the treated groups and one of the placebo groups were then placed on exercise plans, where the mice walked for 45 minutes, five days a week on mouse-sized treadmills, with the rest of the mice staying sedentary.
As predicted, doxorubicin did seem to have a negative impact on the heart, however the mice who exercised were also deemed to be unprotected from the drug’s impact.
Yet, what was really surprising for the researchers, was that the mice who exercised and received the drug experienced a notable change in their tumours. It was found that the mice receiving chemotherapy and exercise had significantly smaller tumours after two weeks than mice that only received doxorubicin.
“We looked, and the exercise didn’t do anything to the heart — it didn’t worsen it, it didn’t help it. But the tumour data – I find them actually amazing,” said Joseph Libonati, senior author of the study.
“If exercise helps in this way, you could potentially use a smaller dose of the drug and get fewer side effects.
“People don’t take a drug and then sit down all day. Something as simple as moving affects how drugs are metabolised. We’re only just beginning to understand the complexities.”
As well as research being conducted on the impact of exercise during treatment, growing amounts of data has furthered the discourse suggesting that exercise could help to prevent the development of a number of cancers.
For example, one investigation has found that obesity is the cause of around 12,000 cancers each year, with physical activity potentially holding part of the answer to preventing the disease developing in some people.
Elsewhere, according to the American Association for Cancer Research's new cancer progress report, around a quarter of all preventable cancers in the United States are thought to be impacted by obesity and inactivity.
Quarter of preventable US cancers impacted by obesity and inactivity: report
Routine exercise could help prevent development of breast cancer in post-menopausal women: study
12,000 cancers each year caused by people being overweight or obese, new study finds
Most breast cancer patients not getting enough exercise: study
Regular diet and exercise advice could cut bowel cancer risk, says study
Action required to tackle lifestyle habits and lack of exercise partially responsible for expected surge in cancer cases
Exercise could help prevent womb cancer
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
