During my research as I embarked on my first rounds of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. I wanted to understand how to enhance the ‘kill’ effect or effect the mechanisms of apoptosis (‘kill’ effect) of the cancer cells.
I came across the work of Professor Rob Newton and colleges extensive research into targeted physiotherapy &/or strength training when used as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatment. The outcomes of human trials were so successful that the Australian government decided to integrate this into their basic insurance model so that targeted exercise therapies are available to all Australian cancer patients.
Targeted/tailored exercise has multiple benefits that are specifically helpful when added alongside conventional treatment for cancer(s) including a much needed lessening of chemo side-effects eg. improved energy levels, mood, lessening nausea. On average muscle and bone loss is the norm following high-dose chemotherapy but when targeted and resistance exercise is added, the results were rather spectacular; improved muscle and bone mass and even no bone loss has been observed in human clinical studies. Though the most incredible bonus is the added ‘kill’ effect to cancer cells, when targeted and resistance exercise is added adjunct to chemotherapy &/or radiotherapy treatment it can assist in reducing solid tumors.
Sources/ research:
Documentary from ABC Science: Exercise & Cancer | How Targeted Exercise Can Help Fight Cancer (2016)
Industry-Presented Webinar: Exercise as Medicine for Cancer by Professor Rob Newton (2020)
Professor Robert Newton, PhD, DSc, AEP, CSCS*D, FACSM, FESSA, FNSCA is Professor of Exercise Medicine and Deputy Director of ECU’s Exercise Medicine Research Institute.