Abstract P4-14-10: Supervised high intensity interval physical exercise of young women with breast cancer during neoadjuvant chemotherapy has also a positive impact on the control group (SPORT NATHY trial)
Authors: Joanna Kufel-Grabowska, Slawomir Marszalek, Maciej Gorecki, Marta Malinowska, Maciej Lesiak, Ewa Straburzynska-Migaj, Wiktoria Suchorska, Janusz Dos, Piotr Nowaczyk, Alicja Nowak, Agnieszka Bartczak-Rutkowska, Magdalena Dudek, Andrzej Marszalek, Maria Litwiniuk
Journal: Cancer Research (2020)

Abstract Introduction:Physical activity during cancer treatment may reduce resulting side effects(e.g. fatigue) and improve the quality of patient’s life. It is not known, however, which typevof exercise would be the best or what the optimal duration and intensity of training should be. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy enables to evaluate the intervention effects. Young breast cancer patients are more willing to engage in intensive training than older ones. This randomised pilot study (SPORT NATHY TRIAL) evaluates the feasibility and the safety of high intensity interval physical activity during neoadjuvant chemotherapy administered to young women with breast cancer. Possible impact on treatment efficacy will be also evaluated. Methods:Young breast cancer patients (18-40 years old) were randomized to standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy (usual care - UC) or to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 6 months of supervised high-intensity interval exercise (SHIIE). SHIIE: 2 times per week circuit on uphill treadmill walking/running, cycle ergometry, elliptical trainer from 5 × 1:15 (1st mth), 5 × 1:30 (2nd mth), 5 × 1:45 (3-4th mth) 5 × 2 min (5-6th mth) with 80%-95% HRpeak with 4 min active rest between sets; 10 min warm-up (50-60 % HRpeak) and 5 min cool-down; total time of to 40 min. Additionally once a week 45 min preferred activity (walk, run, cycling, rollerblading) 60-70 % HRpeak. Each time during training max 5 persons SHIIE groups were supervised by a physiotherapist. UC - 90 min (3 × 30min) walks per week (60% HRpeak) and patient physical therapy rules education.Each participant was monitored at all times by Polar activity monitor to measure: the number of steps, calories burnt, length of sleep, general daily heart rate with special attention placed to monitoring the heart rate during training.A biochemical analysis, bone density, cardiovascular evaluation (Digital ECG and transthoracic echocardiography, treadmill exercise test with RAMP protocol designed individually based on the score during 6 min walk test) were performed on all participants before chemotherapy and upon completion of the treatment.Specialized questionnaires and forms were used to estimate emotional status and sexual functioning.Results:We have already enrolled 22 patients. Median age was 35 in both groups. Number of trainings per week was in UC 2,5 and in SHIIE 3,1. All patients in SHIIE participated in min. 90% of supervised trainings.We were surprised to note that patients from the UC group, following the example of SHIIE group patients, increased their activity significantly. This observation was possible thanks to continuous monitoring of all patients with Polar activity monitors.Conclusions:High intensity interval physical activity may be recommended to young breast cancer patients during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and could be part of a valuable support care strategy. Hospital supervised training encourages other patients to be more physically active as well. Citation Format: Joanna Kufel-Grabowska, Slawomir Marszalek, Maciej Gorecki, Marta Malinowska, Maciej Lesiak, Ewa Straburzynska-Migaj, Wiktoria Suchorska, Janusz Dos, Piotr Nowaczyk, Alicja Nowak, Agnieszka Bartczak-Rutkowska, Magdalena Dudek, Andrzej Marszalek, Maria Litwiniuk. Supervised high intensity interval physical exercise of young women with breast cancer during neoadjuvant chemotherapy has also a positive impact on the control group (SPORT NATHY trial) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-14-10.