Resistance Exercise and Skeletal Muscle-Related Outcomes in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle loss is prevalent throughout the cancer continuum and correlates with morbidity and mortality. Resistance exercise has been trialed to mitigate skeletal muscle loss. This systematic review summarizes and qualitatively synthesizes the effects of resistance exercise on muscle-related outcomes in adult cancer populations, including skeletal muscle mass, performance and muscle-related biomarkers. METHODS: The systematic review protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). We searched electronic databases including AMED, CENTRAL, CINAHL, CIRRIE, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PEDro, REHABDATA, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus (from inception to December 2021).We included randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of resistance exercise on muscle-related outcomes in adult cancer populations. Interventions that involved any resistance exercise were included. Muscle-related outcomes were categorized as skeletal muscle mass (e.g., lean mass, appendicular muscle mass), muscle performance (e.g., muscle strength, physical function), and muscle-related biomarkers (e.g., muscle cells, metabolic/inflammatory markers). Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane ROB tool. RESULTS: 02 studies from 101 randomized controlled trials were included. The majority of studies focused on breast cancer (46%) and those who completed treatment (43%). Resistance exercise interventions were largely 3-4 months long (48%), combined with aerobic exercise (56%), at a vigorous intensity (25%), and in-person/supervised settings (57%). Among the studies that assessed muscle mass, performance, and biomarkers (n = 42, 83, and 22, respectively), resistance exercise interventions improved upper/lower body or appendicular muscle mass (67-100%), muscle strength (61-68%), and physical function (74-100%). Most biomarkers did not show significant changes (75-100%) or showed inconsistent results. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, resistance exercise had positive effects on skeletal muscle mass and performance with an absence of negative effects compared to controls. Our findings demonstrated that resistance exercise may be an effective strategy to attenuate deterioration or exert improvements in muscle mass and performance outcomes.

Exercise and Nutrition Interventions for Prehabilitation in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancers: A Narrative Review.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers constitute over 25% of global cancer cases annually, with hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancers presenting particularly poor prognosis and challenging surgical treatments. While advancements in clinical care have improved post-operative outcomes over time, surgery for HPB cancers remains associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Patients with HPB cancer are often older, diagnosed at later stages, and have a higher prevalence of co-morbid conditions, leading to reduced life expectancy, suboptimal post-operative recovery, and increased recurrence risk. Exercise and nutrition interventions have emerged as safe non-pharmacological strategies to enhance clinical outcomes among cancer survivors, but their potential in the pre-operative period for patients with HPB cancer remains underexplored. This narrative review evaluates existing evidence on exercise and nutritional interventions during pre-operative prehabilitation for HPB cancer populations, focusing on clinically relevant post-operative outcomes related to frailty and malnutrition. We conducted a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify studies utilizing a prehabilitation intervention in HPB cancer populations with exercise and nutritional components. The currently available evidence suggests that incorporating exercise and nutrition into prehabilitation programs offers a critical opportunity to enhance post-operative outcomes, mitigate the risk of comorbidities, and support overall survivorship among HPB cancer populations. This review underscores the need for further research to optimize the timing, duration, and components of pre-operative prehabilitation programs, emphasizing patient-centered, multidisciplinary approaches in this evolving field.

Incorporating Exercise Training into Cardio-Oncology Care: Current Evidence and Opportunities: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review.

Cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicities are an ongoing concern throughout the cancer care continuum from treatment initiation to survivorship. Several "standard-of-care" primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies are available to prevent the development or further progression of cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicities and their risk factors. Despite exercise's established benefits on the cardiovascular system, it has not been widely adopted as a nonpharmacologic cardioprotective strategy within cardio-oncology care. In this state-of-the-art review, the authors discuss cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicities, review the existing evidence supporting the role of exercise in preventing and managing these sequelae in at-risk and affected individuals living after cancer diagnoses, and propose considerations for implementing exercise-based services in cardio-oncology practice.

Exercise as Medicine in Cardio-Oncology: Reducing Health Disparities in Hispanic and Latina Breast Cancer Survivors.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to access the current state of the evidence in exercise as medicine for cardio-oncology in Hispanic and Latina breast cancer survivors and to provide our preliminary data on the effects of supervised aerobic and resistance training on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in this population. RECENT FINDINGS: Breast cancer survivors have a higher risk of CVD; particularly Hispanic and Latina breast cancer survivors have a higher burden than their White counterparts. Exercise has been shown to reduce CVD risk in breast cancer survivors; however, evidence in Hispanic and Latina breast cancer survivors is scarce. Our review highlights a clear need for exercise oncology clinical trials in Hispanic and Latina breast cancer survivors targeting CVD risk factors. Moreover, our exploratory results highlight that 16 weeks of aerobic and resistance training may reduce the 10-year risk of developing CVD by 15% in Hispanic and Latina breast cancer survivors.

Obesity Risk of Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumor Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Adult survivors of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors are at the highest risk for morbidity and late mortality among all childhood cancers due to a high burden of chronic conditions, and environmental and lifestyle factors. This study aims to epidemiologically characterize young adult survivors of pediatric CNS tumors using body mass index (BMI) to assess risk factors for obesity. Using a cross-sectional design, young adults (18-39 years) previously treated for pediatric CNS tumors and followed in a survivorship clinic during 2016-2021 were examined. Demographic, BMI, and diagnosis information were extracted from medical records of the most recent clinic visit. Data were assessed using a two-sample t-test, Fisher's exact test, and multivariable logistical regression. 198 survivors (53% female, 84.3% White) with a BMI status of underweight (4.0%), healthy weight (40.9%), overweight (26.8%), obesity (20.2%), and severe obesity (8.1%) were examined. Male sex (OR, 2.414; 95% CI, 1.321 to 4.414), older age at follow-up (OR, 1.103; 95% CI, 1.037 to 1.173), and craniopharyngioma diagnosis (OR, 5.764; 95% CI, 1.197 to 27.751) were identified as significant (p < 0.05) obesity-related (≥25.0 kg/m2) risk factors. The majority of patients were overweight or obese. As such, universal screening efforts with more precise determinants of body composition than BMI, risk stratification, and targeted lifestyle interventions are warranted during survivorship care.

Efficacy of resistive exercise on skeletal muscle-related outcomes in cancer survivors: a systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Symptom burden and adverse treatment effects can negatively impact physical function, health-related outcomes, and quality of life in cancer survivors. Resistive exercise that improves skeletal muscle function can ameliorate these complications, but the central role of the skeletal muscle in mediating improvements in patient-related outcomes has not been explored. This protocol describes the rationale and methods for a systematic review that aims to determine the effects of resistive exercise on the skeletal muscle hypertrophy, muscle performance, and muscle-related biomarkers in cancer survivors. METHODS: A systematic review will be conducted on peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that employ resistive exercise interventions for cancer survivors. The following electronic databases will be searched: AMED, CENTRAL, CINAHL, CIRRIE, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PEDro, REHABDATA, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus. Studies will be considered for inclusion if they present quantitative data in adult cancer survivors on skeletal muscle characteristics (e.g., muscle mass), muscle performance (e.g., strength), or skeletal muscle-related biomarkers (e.g., myocellular satellite cells). Secondary outcomes will be physical function (e.g., stair climb) and patient-reported outcomes (e.g., fatigue). Data will be reported through a narrative that describes study design, participants, interventions, and outcome characteristics. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will help clarify the influence of resistive exercise on factors relating to the skeletal muscle in adult cancer survivors. Findings may provide insight into optimal exercise selection for evidence-based practice. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: #277791 [under review].

Targeting Adiposity and Inflammation With Movement to Improve Prognosis in Breast Cancer Survivors (The AIM Trial): Rationale, Design, and Methods.

Background: Obesity is a significant contributor to breast cancer recurrence and mortality. A central mechanism by which obesity stimulates cancer progression is through chronic, low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue. Exercise interventions to target chronic inflammation has a potential to improve obesity- and breast cancer-related outcomes; however, no studies have investigated the roles of exercise in modulating adipose tissue inflammation in breast cancer survivors. Also, it is unclear which exercise prescription would be optimal to maximize the outcomes. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial (Taking AIM at Breast Cancer: Targeting Adiposity and Inflammation with Movement to Improve Prognosis in Breast Cancer Survivors [AIM] Trial) to examine the mechanisms by which different modalities of exercise impact chronic inflammation as a biomarker of breast cancer prognosis. Methods: The AIM trial is a prospective, three-armed, phase II randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a 16-week supervised circuit aerobic and resistance exercise (CARE) program versus a traditional aerobic and resistance exercise (TARE) program and attention control (AC) on adipose tissue inflammation in breast cancer survivors. 276 patients who are diagnosed with stage 0-III breast cancer, post-treatment, sedentary, and centrally obese are randomized to one of the three groups. The CARE and TARE groups participate in thrice-weekly supervised exercise sessions for 16 weeks. The AC group are offered the CARE program after the intervention period. The primary endpoint is adipose tissue inflammation assessed by core biopsy and blood draw. The secondary and tertiary endpoints are sarcopenic obesity, physical fitness and function, and patient reported outcomes. The exploratory outcomes are long-term breast cancer outcomes. Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial examining the effects of exercise on adipose tissue inflammation in obese, breast cancer survivors. Our findings are anticipated to contribute to a better understanding of exercise modalities and mechanisms on adipose tissue inflammation that can potentially improve breast cancer prognosis. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03091842 identifier [NCT#03091842].

The Effect of Exercise and Nutritional Interventions on Body Composition in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Advanced and metastatic cancers significantly alter body composition, leading to decreased lean mass and variable effects on fat mass. These effects on body composition are associated with significant physical dysfunction and poor prognosis in patients with cancer. Whilst exercise and nutritional interventions are likely to be of benefit in counteracting these effects, relatively little is known about using such interventions in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. Therefore, in this systematic review we examine the effect of exercise and combined exercise and nutritional interventions on lean mass and fat mass among patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic cancer. Following PRISMA guidelines, we identified 20 articles from PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, and REHABDATA. Overall, advanced or metastatic cancer populations comprising of mixed cancer types were most commonly examined (n = 8) with exercise or combined exercise and nutritional interventions being well-tolerated with few adverse effects. Both intervention approaches may preserve lean mass, while only combined interventions may lead to alterations in fat mass. However, further exercise and nutritional studies are needed to definitively understand their effects on body composition. As exercise and nutrition-related research continues in this understudied population, the knowledge gained will help guide supportive clinical treatments.

Exercise oncology during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: Are virtually supervised exercise interventions a sustainable alternative?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, new challenges are presented in clinical research settings to increase exercise levels, particularly in vulnerable populations such as cancer survivors. While in-person supervised exercise is an effective format to improve patient-reported outcomes and physical function for cancer survivors, the COVID-19 pandemic limited this form of exercise as a feasible option within research and cancer care. As such, exercise oncology interventions were adapted to home-based instruction. In this review, we examine the current evidence of exercise interventions in cancer populations during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified that group-based virtually supervised home-based exercise was the most used format among exercise oncology interventions during the pandemic. Preliminary results support feasibility and effectiveness of this emerging exercise setting in cancer survivors; however, it needs to be further investigated in adequately designed larger trials. Additionally, we provide recommendations and perspective for the implementation of virtually supervised home-based exercise.

Reducing Metabolic Dysregulation in Obese Latina and/or Hispanic Breast Cancer Survivors Using Physical Activity (ROSA) Trial: A Study Protocol.

Background: Latina and Hispanic breast cancer survivors (LHBCS) are at increased risk for long-term complications and poorer metabolic health, including metabolic dysregulation (MetD) before and following breast cancer diagnosis. MetD can increase risk of cancer recurrence, death, and comorbid conditions by increasing inflammation and cancer cell proliferation. While exercise improves physical fitness and metabolic outcomes in breast cancer survivors, there is a lack of studies including underrepresented and disadvantaged minority groups such as LHBCS. Methods: Our 12-month randomized (exercise or attention control) controlled trial (the ROSA trial) aims to utilize a progressive combined aerobic and resistance exercise program to improve MetD, insulin resistance, and visceral adiposity among obese LHBCS. We aim to recruit 160 women with Stage I-III breast cancer who are sedentary, centrally obese, and have completed treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) prior to enrollment. Participants randomized to the exercise group receive 16-weeks of virtually supervised aerobic and resistance training, followed by 16-weeks of unsupervised home-based aerobic and resistance exercise, and 16-weeks of follow-up. The attention control group receive a 12-month home-based stretching program. Primary and secondary outcomes are measured every 4-weeks during study visits. Discussion: The ROSA trial is the first exercise oncology trial targeting high-risk sedentary, obese LHBCS to improve MetD-related outcomes. Results of this trial will help illuminate how exercise impacts health-related outcomes, survivorship, and recurrence, and inform future exercise oncology guidelines to reduce health disparities among minority cancer survivors.

Obesity and prostate cancer: A narrative review.

Overweight and obese men with prostate cancer are at an increased risk of disease recurrence, exacerbated treatment-related adverse effects, development of obesity-related comorbidities, earlier progression and development of metastatic disease, and higher all-cause and prostate cancer-specific mortality. The physiological mechanisms associating obesity with poor prostate cancer outcomes remain largely unknown; however, an increased inflammatory environment and metabolic irregularities associated with excess fat mass are commonly postulated. Although research is limited, fat loss strategies using exercise and nutrition programmes may slow down prostate cancer progression and improve a patient's prognosis. This review is an overview of: 1) the association between obesity and poor prostate cancer prognosis; 2) potential physiological mechanisms linking obesity and prostate cancer progression; 3) the effect of obesity on treatments for prostate cancer; and 4) the potential for weight loss strategies to improve outcomes in patients with prostate cancer.

Myokine Expression and Tumor-Suppressive Effect of Serum after 12 wk of Exercise in Prostate Cancer Patients on ADT.

PURPOSE: Although several mechanisms have been proposed for the tumor-suppressive effect of exercise, little attention has been given to myokines, even though skeletal muscle is heavily recruited during exercise resulting in myokine surges. We measured resting serum myokine levels before and after an exercise-based intervention and the effect of this serum on prostate cancer cell growth. METHODS: Ten prostate cancer patients undertaking androgen deprivation therapy (age, 73.3 ± 5.6 yr) undertook a 12-wk exercise-based intervention including supervised resistance training, self-directed aerobic exercise, and protein supplementation. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and muscle strength by the one-repetition maximum method. Fasting blood was collected at baseline and postintervention, and serum levels of myokines-secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, oncostatin M (OSM), decorin, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3)-were measured. The growth of the prostate cancer cell line DU145 with baseline and postintervention serum was measured. RESULTS: Body weight (P = 0.011), fat mass (P = 0.012), and percent body fat (P = 0.033) were reduced, whereas percent lean mass (P = 0.001) increased, as did strength (leg press, P = 0.006; chest press, P = 0.020) across the intervention. Serum OSM levels (P = 0.020) and relative serum OSM levels (P = 0.020) increased compared with baseline. A significant reduction in DU145 Cell Index (P = 0.012) and growth rate (P = 0.012) was observed after applying postintervention serum compared with baseline serum. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for enhanced myokine expression and tumor-suppressive effects of serum from chronically exercise-trained prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy.

Fasting and Exercise in Oncology: Potential Synergism of Combined Interventions.

Nutrition and exercise interventions are strongly recommended for most cancer patients; however, much debate exists about the best prescription. Combining fasting with exercise is relatively untouched within the oncology setting. Separately, fasting has demonstrated reductions in chemotherapy-related side effects and improved treatment tolerability and effectiveness. Emerging evidence suggests fasting may have a protective effect on healthy cells allowing chemotherapy to exclusively target cancer cells. Exercise is commonly recommended and attenuates treatment- and cancer-related adverse changes to body composition, quality of life, and physical function. Given their independent benefits, in combination, fasting and exercise may induce synergistic effects and further improve cancer-related outcomes. In this narrative review, we provide a critical appraisal of the current evidence of fasting and exercise as independent interventions in the cancer population and discuss the potential benefits and mechanisms of combined fasting and exercise on cardiometabolic, body composition, patient-reported outcomes, and cancer-related outcomes. Our findings suggest that within the non-cancer population combined fasting and exercise is a viable strategy to improve health-related outcomes, however, its safety and efficacy in the oncology setting remain unknown. Therefore, we also provide a discussion on potential safety issues and considerations for future research in the growing cancer population.

Maintaining Weight Loss in Obese Men with Prostate Cancer Following a Supervised Exercise and Nutrition Program-A Pilot Study.

Supervised exercise and nutrition programs can mitigate or reverse androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) induced fat mass (FM) gain, lean mass (LM) loss, and impaired physical function. It is unclear whether these benefits are retained following transition to self-management. This study examined the effect of a home-based weight maintenance program on body composition and physical function in obese men with prostate cancer (PCa) on ADT following a 12-week supervised weight loss intervention. Eleven obese PCa patients (74 ± 5 years, 40.0 ± 4.9% body fat) on ADT (>6 months) completed a 12-week self-managed home-based weight maintenance program consisting of 150 min/week of aerobic and resistance training while maintaining a healthy balanced diet. Body composition (DXA), muscle strength (1RM), and cardiorespiratory fitness (400 m walk) were assessed. Significant reductions in weight (-2.8 ± 3.2 kg) and FM (-2.8 ± 2.6 kg), preservation of LM (-0.05 ± 1.6 kg), and improvements in muscle strength and VO2max were achieved across the supervised intervention. Across the home-based program, no significant changes were observed in weight (-0.6 ± 2.8 kg, p = 0.508), FM (0.2 ± 1.4 kg, p = 0.619), LM (-0.8 ± 1.6 kg, p = 0.146), muscle strength (-0.2 to 4.1%, p = 0.086-0.745), or estimated VO2max (0.3 ± 2.1 mL/min/kg, p = 0.649). Self-managed, home-based exercise and nutrition programs are a viable strategy to promote maintenance of body composition and physical function following a supervised intervention in obese PCa patients on ADT.

Using Exercise and Nutrition to Alter Fat and Lean Mass in Men with Prostate Cancer Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Narrative Review.

Fat mass (FM) gain and lean mass (LM) loss are common side effects for patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Excess FM has been associated with an increased risk of developing obesity-related comorbidities, exacerbating prostate cancer progression, and all-cause and cancer-specific mortality. LM is the predominant contributor to resting metabolic rate, with any loss impacting long-term weight management as well as physical function. Therefore, reducing FM and preserving LM may improve patient-reported outcomes, risk of disease progression, and ameliorate comorbidity development. In ADT-treated patients, exercise and nutrition programs can lead to improvements in quality of life and physical function; however, effects on body composition have been variable. The aim of this review was to provide a descriptive overview and critical appraisal of exercise and nutrition-based interventions in prostate cancer patients on ADT and their effect on FM and LM. Our findings are that FM gain and LM loss are side effects of ADT that could be reduced, prevented, or even reversed with the implementation of a combined exercise and nutrition program. However, the most effective combination of specific exercise and nutrition prescriptions are yet to be determined, and thus should be a focus for future studies.

Exercise Cardio-Oncology: Exercise as a Potential Therapeutic Modality in the Management of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity.

Anthracyclines are one of the most effective chemotherapy agents and have revolutionized cancer therapy. However, anthracyclines can induce cardiac injuries through 'multiple-hits', a series of cardiovascular insults coupled with lifestyle risk factors, which increase the risk of developing short- and long-term cardiac dysfunction and cardiovascular disease that potentially lead to premature mortality following cancer remission. Therefore, the management of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a serious unmet clinical need. Exercise therapy, as a non-pharmacological intervention, stimulates numerous biochemical and physiologic adaptations, including cardioprotective effects, through the cardiovascular system and cardiac muscles, where exercise has been proposed to be an effective clinical approach that can protect or reverse the cardiotoxicity from anthracyclines. Many preclinical and clinical trials demonstrate the potential impacts of exercise on cardiotoxicity; however, the underlying mechanisms as well as how to implement exercise in clinical settings to improve or protect against long-term cardiovascular disease outcomes are not clearly defined. In this review, we summarize the current evidence in the field of "exercise cardio-oncology" and emphasize the utilization of exercise to prevent and manage anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicities across high-risk and vulnerable populations diagnosed with cancer.

Weight Loss for Obese Prostate Cancer Patients on Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

PURPOSE: Excess fat mass (FM) contributes to poor prostate cancer (PCa) prognosis and comorbidity. However, FM gain is a common side effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). We examined the efficacy of a 12-wk weight loss intervention to reduce FM and maintain lean mass (LM) in ADT-treated obese PCa patients. METHODS: Fourteen ADT-treated obese PCa patients (72 ± 9 yr, 39.7% ± 5.4% body fat) were recruited for a self-controlled prospective study, with 11 completing the 6-wk control period, followed by a 12-wk intervention comprising 300 min·wk-1 of exercise including supervised resistance training and home-based aerobic exercise, and dietitian consultations advising a daily energy deficit (2100-4200 kJ) and protein supplementation. Body composition was assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Secondary outcomes included muscle strength (one-repetition maximum), cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen consumption), and blood biomarkers. RESULTS: There were no significant changes during the control period. Patients attended 89% of supervised exercise sessions and 100% of dietitian consultations. No changes in physical activity or energy intake were observed. During the intervention, patients experienced significant reductions in weight (-2.8 ± 3.2 kg, P = 0.016), FM (-2.8 ± 2.6 kg, P < 0.001), and trunk FM (-1.8 ± 1.4 kg, P < 0.001), with LM preserved (-0.05 ± 1.6 kg, P = 0.805). Muscle strength (4.6%-24.7%, P < 0.010) and maximal oxygen consumption (3.5 ± 4.7 mL·min-1·kg-1, P = 0.041) significantly improved. Leptin significantly decreased (-2.2 (-2.7 to 0.5) ng·mL-1, P = 0.016) with no other changes in blood biomarkers such as testosterone and lipids (P = 0.051-0.765); however, C-reactive protein (rs = -0.670, P = 0.024) and triglycerides (r = -0.667, P = 0.025) were associated with individual changes in LM. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows preliminary efficacy for an exercise and nutrition weight loss intervention to reduce FM, maintain LM, and improve muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in ADT-treated obese PCa patients. The change in body composition may affect blood biomarkers associated with obesity and PCa progression; however, further research is required.

Efficacy of a weight loss program prior to robot assisted radical prostatectomy in overweight and obese men with prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Obesity in prostate cancer patients is associated with poor prostate-cancer specific outcomes. Exercise and nutrition can reduce fat mass; however, few studies have explored this as a combined pre-surgical intervention in clinical practice. PURPOSE: This study examined the efficacy of a weight loss program for altering body composition in prostate cancer patients prior to robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 43 overweight and obese prostate cancer patients, aged 47-80 years, who completed a very low-calorie diet (~3000-4000 kJ) combined with moderate-intensity exercise (90 min/day) prior to RARP. Whole body and regional fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry pre- and post-program. Body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were assessed weekly, with surgery-related adverse effects recorded at time of surgery and follow-up appointments. RESULTS: With a median of 29 days (IQR: 24-35days) on the program, patients significantly (p < 0.001) reduced weight (-7.3 ± 2.9 kg), FM (-5.0 ± 2.6 kg), percent body fat (-3.1 ± 2.5%), trunk FM (-3.4 ± 1.8 kg), LM (-2.4 ± 1.8 kg), and appendicular LM (-1.2 ± 1.0 kg). Lower weight, FM, percent FM, trunk FM, and visceral FM were associated with less surgery-related adverse effects (rs = 0.335 to 0.468, p < 0.010). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced (p < 0.001) by 15 ± 22 and 8 ± 10 mmHg, respectively over the weight loss intervention. CONCLUSION: Undertaking a combined low-calorie diet and exercise program for weight loss in preparation for RARP resulted in substantial reductions in FM, with improvements in blood pressure, that may benefit surgical outcomes.

How good are US dermatologists at discriminating skin cancers? A number-needed-to-treat analysis.

BACKGROUND: Identification of skin cancer requires discrimination of malignant lesions from benign lesions. The number of biopsies performed to yield one cancer diagnosis can be presented as a number needed to treat (NNT), and provides an assessment of the efficiency of skin cancer detection. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical accuracy of US dermatologists screening for skin cancer, the NNT for both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer was examined. METHODS: Pathology reports from 2021 biopsies performed at the Wake Forest University Department of Dermatology were reviewed, including the physician's differential diagnosis and final pathological diagnosis. The NNT was calculated for melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, and all skin cancer diagnosed. RESULTS: Of 1240 biopsies suspicious for skin cancer, 559 cancers were diagnosed, yielding a NNT of 2.22 for any cancer. The NNT specifically for non-melanoma skin cancer was 1.6, while the NNT for melanoma was 15. Patient age, anatomical location, sex and physician all significantly impacted on NNT values. CONCLUSIONS: The NNT for melanoma in our study was lower compared to recently published values obtained from general practitioners in Australian skin cancer clinics (NNT of 30). Variability amongst institutions, practice settings and physicians supports the need to establish a benchmark NNT.

Physician performance measures in dermatology.

Performance measures serve as a method of assessing and reporting on the quality of care that physicians are delivering to their patients. Although measures have been developed and integrated into other fields of medicine, a comprehensive set of measures specific to the specialty of dermatology is lacking. It is likely that quality measures will become an increasingly significant component of health care, thus it is important for dermatologists to actively participate in their development. There are multiple topics relevant to the various components of dermatology practice (medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology and dermatopathology) upon which measures can be based.