Regulation of the metastatic cascade through exercise - Narrative literature review

Details

Supervisors

Deldicque, Louise

Faculty

Faculté des sciences de la motricité

Degree label

Master [60] en kinésithérapie et réadaptation

Abstract

Cancer mortality is mostly due to secondary tumor mass development in distant vital organs from the primary tumor, i.e. metastases. Epidemiological data show lower mortality rate in exercising patients. The links between exercise, cancer risk and primary tumor metabolism are well studied, but less is known about the regulation of the factors involved in the metastatic cascade by exercise. Results show that exercise can regulate expression and levels of metastatic factors in each of the five steps of the process. Moderate intensity exercise is the most studied condition, especially in rodent. It appears to prevent tumor spread around the body, among others, by normalizing angiogenesis, destroying circulating tumor cells and decreasing endothelial cells permeability. Several studies in high intensity exercise have found some favorising effect on cancer dissemination. These may be induced by excessive stress that the body cannot properly counteract. Warm-up before an intensive exercise session seems to be an interesting way to reduce these undesired effects. The role of lactate use in exercise may also regulate tumor invasive and disseminating properties. There is a lack of studies linking resistance exercise with metastatic factors. The role of myokines in the regulation of metastases is also worth further investigation. These data reinforce the importance of exercise after cancer diagnosis, but exercising program should be adapted to the patient’s training level.