The Effect of a Structured Strength and Endurance Training Program on Quality of Life, Fitness, Blood Parameters and Survival in Prostate Cancer Patients

Summary

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men. Many patients experience a significantly reduced quality of life due to either the cancer itself or the side effects of treatment. These side effects can include tiredness, weight gain, loss of muscle and strength, bone weakness, depression, reduced sexual function, and increased risk of heart problems. A commonly used treatment called androgen deprivation therapy, which reduces the levels of male hormones, can make these symptoms worse. Previous research has shown that physical exercise-both strength training and endurance training-can help improve physical and mental well-being in men with prostate cancer. Regular exercise has also been shown to improve body composition, cardiovascular health, and reduce cancer-related fatigue. Some studies even suggest that exercise might support the immune system and slow down the progression of cancer. The aim of this clinical trial is to find out whether a specific combination of resistance and aerobic training can help improve quality of life and health outcomes in men with prostate cancer. The exercise program is designed to be performed at home using simple equipment like resistance bands and bodyweight exercises, along with high-intensity interval training for endurance. Participants are asked to train three to six days a week. 150 men with prostate cancer at various stages of the disease will be included. These men will be randomly divided into two groups: two-thirds will receive the exercise program (intervention group), and one-third will continue with their usual care without the program (control group). The initial training period lasts 12 weeks and will be repeated to ensure that all participants in the exercise group train for at least six months. After that, they will be encouraged to keep training on their own. The main goal of the study is to see if the exercise program leads to improvements in quality of life, physical fitness, body composition, and markers of immune function. It will also be analyzed how well the participants stick to the program, whether a longer training period has more benefits, how physically active the participants are overall, and how the program might affect other health and cancer-related outcomes. The underlying hypothesis is that a structured, home-based resistance and aerobic training program will improve quality of life, physical fitness, body composition, immune function, and possibly cancer-related outcomes in men with prostate cancer.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participant must have a histologically diagnosed adenocarcinoma of the prostate
2. Participant has to be ≥ 18 years of age
3. Participant must have either localized, locally advanced, or metastatic PC which has been treated or is planned to be treated either by RP, EBRT, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSI), or any combination
4. Participant must understand and remember the training regimen
5. Participant must have a smartphone to connect a wearable device
6. Participant must have a smartphone or computer to access the online platform
7. Participant has to be able to speak, understand, and read German or English
8. Participant must sign an informed consent form (ICF)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cardiovascular/neurological/musculoskeletal comorbidities with contraindications for resistance or aerobic training
2. High risk of pathological fracture due to unstable bone metastases (note: patients with bone metastasis are generally eligible for participation in the study and program as long as there is no acute high risk of fracture)
3. Any condition for which it may not be in the best interest of the patient to participate in the study

Conditions7

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