Randomized trial of a clinic-based weight loss intervention in cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: This trial examined the efficacy of a clinic-based weight loss intervention in cancer survivors. METHODS: This single-center phase II trial randomized survivors of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies to a 15-week group-based weight loss intervention that included caloric restriction and physical activity (n = 30) or a wait-list control intervention (n = 30). The primary study outcome was body mass. Secondary study outcomes included body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, physical fitness using the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and concentrations of serum biomarkers. RESULTS: Participants in the intervention group lost 5.6 ± 4.4% of baseline weight (4.6 ± 3.9 kg), whereas participants in the control group gained 0.2 ± 2.4% of baseline weight (0.2 ± 2.0 kg); intervention effect - 5.8% (95% CI - 7.8, - 3.8); - 4.8 kg (95% CI - 6.6, - 3.0); P = 0.0001. A larger proportion of participants in the intervention group lost ≥ 5% of baseline weight compared to the control group (43 vs 0%; P < 0.0001). The intervention led to reductions in fat mass (- 3.2 ± 0.7 kg; P < 0.0001), improvements in physical fitness (an increase of 22.6 ± 10.8 m on 6MWT; P = 0.03), and reductions in concentrations of insulin (- 7.7 ± 3.5 µU/mL; P = 0.004) and leptin (- 7.3 ± 4.0 ng/mL; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: A 15-week clinic-based weight loss intervention resulted in significant weight loss and improvements in body composition, physical fitness, and concentrations of serum biomarkers in cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Weight loss programs provide a number of benefits for cancer survivors; survivors should inquire about the availability of lifestyle programs offered at their cancer center and within their local communities.