ASCO GU 2017: Impact of resistance exercise on metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer

Orlando, Florida USA (UroToday.com)Among men with prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of overall mortality. Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, central adiposity, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and low high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Due to its testosterone-lowering effect, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) induces loss of skeletal muscle and an increase in central adiposity. The authors tested the hypothesis that a periodized exercise plan designed to increase skeletal muscle mass through resistance training can offset these side effects of ADT.
Men on ADT for 12 weeks were randomized to exercise versus no exercise. The exercise group received supervised 45-minute resistance training sessions followed by a stretching regimen thrice weekly for 12 weeks. The no exercise group did home-based stretching three times per week for 12 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention measurements included weight, lean body mass, waist circumference, lipids, insulin, glucose, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Quality of life was evaluated with FACT-P and BFI questionnaires. Muscle biopsies were taken pre and post intervention.

Twenty four men ( n=12 in exercise group and n=12 in no exercise group) completed the 12-week session with 100% adherence. Patients had been on ADT for mean of 17 months (range 3-84). The mean change in waist circumference between the exercise and non-exercise groups were -2.05±2.82 cm and +0.69±2.01 (p=0.011), respectively. Trends favoring the exercise group were noted in mean fasting glucose and diastolic blood pressure; however, these were not significant at the p < 0.05 level. No differences in other outcome measures were noted.

The authors concluded that supervised resistance training is feasible and reduces waist circumference in men on ADT. The influence of these exercise regimens on development of metabolic syndrome requires longer follow-up.

First Author: Tanya Dorff

Written By: Benjamin T. Ristau, MD, Fox Chase Cancer Center

at the 2017 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium - February 16 - 18, 2017 – Orlando, Florida USA

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