Exercise's Single Session May Offer New Hope for Cancer Patients
A recent study conducted by researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) reveals that engaging in just one session of either resistance training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can yield significant health benefits for individuals battling cancer. Published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, this research emphasizes the potential of exercise as a therapeutic intervention in cancer management.
During the study, ECU Ph.D. candidate Francesco Bettariga investigated the effects of a single exercise session on the levels of myokines--proteins produced by muscles that exhibit anti-cancer properties. The findings indicated that such exercises could decrease the rate of cancer cell proliferation by 20% to 30%.
Bettariga noted that exercise has gained recognition as a beneficial component in cancer treatment protocols, supported by extensive evidence demonstrating its safety and efficacy for patients during and after treatment phases. The study specifically focused on breast cancer survivors, measuring myokine levels at three intervals: before exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 30 minutes after the session.
Interestingly, although higher myokine levels are typically expected in healthy individuals following intense workouts, the research sought to determine whether breast cancer survivors could achieve similar benefits, especially considering the physical toll of cancer and its treatments on the body.
The results were promising, showing that both resistance training and HIIT effectively elevated myokine levels in the breast cancer survivor cohort. Bettariga emphasized that these findings serve as strong encouragement to incorporate exercise into standard cancer care practices.
Further implications of elevated myokine levels warrant additional exploration, particularly concerning their role in preventing cancer recurrence. In related research published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship, Bettariga examined how regular exercise could influence body composition and inflammation, both of which are critical factors in breast cancer recurrence and mortality.
Chronic inflammation is known to facilitate tumor progression by affecting cellular functions such as proliferation and metastasis while also compromising immune responses. Given that cancer and its treatments often increase inflammatory markers, breast cancer survivors face heightened risks of progression and recurrence.
Bettariga highlighted the need for strategies aimed at mitigating inflammation, which could create a less favorable environment for cancer progression, ultimately lowering risks associated with recurrence and mortality for breast cancer survivors.
The new findings suggest that consistent exercise can lead to reductions in fat mass and increases in lean muscle mass, thereby improving overall body composition and inflammation levels. Bettariga cautioned against quick weight loss solutions that do not involve exercise, noting that preserving or building muscle mass is crucial for producing myokines and other beneficial metabolites.
In conclusion, the study advocates for a holistic approach to cancer treatment that includes exercise as a fundamental element, potentially transforming the landscape of supportive care for cancer patients.
References:1. Bettariga, F., et al. (2025). A single bout of resistance or high-intensity interval training increases anti-cancer myokines and suppresses cancer cell growth in vitro in survivors of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. DOI: 10.1007/s10549-025-07772-w
2. Bettariga, F., et al. (2025). Exercise and inflammation in female survivors of breast cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis with secondary mediation analysis on body composition. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. DOI: 10.1007/s11764-025-01873-7