Hemoglobin and aerobic fitness changes with supervised exercise training in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
BACKGROUND
Aerobic exercise training (AET) is known to increase RBC production; however, this has not been evaluated in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the Supervised Trial of Aerobic versus Resistance Training (START) and to determine its association with changes in VO(2peak).


METHODS
Two hundred and forty-two breast cancer patients initiating chemotherapy were randomized to usual care (n = 82), resistance exercise (RET, n = 82), or AET (n = 78) groups for the duration of their chemotherapy (median, 17 weeks). Supervised exercise was thrice weekly based on standard AET and RET prescriptions. Aerobic fitness (VO(2peak)) and Hb concentration were measured at baseline and end of chemotherapy.


RESULTS
Regardless of the exercise group, Hb declined over the course of chemotherapy (13.4 ± 10.0 to 11.8 ± 11.5 g/dL, P < 0.01). Both AET and RET groups had significant, moderate correlations between the change in VO(2peak) and Hb (AET: r = 0.49, P < 0.001; RET: r = 0.39, P = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that regular exercise does not protect against the decline in Hb associated with chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, but resulted in a stronger association between Hb and VO(2peak).


CONCLUSIONS
Even with the chemotherapy-induced decline in Hb, breast cancer patients can maintain their aerobic capacity by participating in regular aerobic exercise. Further studies are required to determine safe intensity levels that may stimulate the maintenance of Hb levels in breast cancer patients.
Dolan
Lianne B
LB
School of Human Kinetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. lbdolan@interchange.ubc.ca
Gelmon
Karen
K
Courneya
Kerry S
KS
Mackey
John R
JR
Segal
Roanne J
RJ
Lane
Kirstin
K
Reid
Robert D
RD
McKenzie
Donald C
DC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006454:Hemoglobins