Mediators of a Physical Activity Intervention on Cognition in Breast Cancer Survivors: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of Exercise Therapy on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the efficacy of different exercise therapies in reducing fatigue in patients with breast cancer.

DESIGN

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Database of Chinese Sci-tech Periodicals, and Wanfang databases were searched from their inception to March 2022. The authors independently screened all randomized controlled trials of exercise therapy in patients with breast cancer. A network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16.0 software.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight studies were analyzed, with 167 comparisons and 6235 patients. The network results showed that stretching (standardized mean difference = -0.74, confidence interval = -1.43 to -0.06), yoga (standardized mean difference = -0.49, confidence interval = -0.75 to -0.22), combined exercise (standardized mean difference = -0.47, confidence interval = -0.70 to -0.24), aerobic exercise (standardized mean difference = -0.46, confidence interval = -0.66 to -0.26), and resistance exercise (standardized mean difference = -0.42, confidence interval = -0.77 to -0.08) significantly reduced fatigue. Pairwise comparisons confirmed that yoga, combined exercise, aerobic exercise, and resistance exercise were positively associated with fatigue relief. However, no significant association was identified between reduced fatigue and traditional Chinese exercises or stretching.

CONCLUSIONS

The most effective exercise therapy to relieve cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer was yoga, followed by combined aerobic and resistance exercises. It is expected that more randomized controlled trials will be conducted to further explore the efficacy and mechanisms of exercise.

Effects of Physical Activity on Quality of Life, Anxiety and Depression in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life (QOL) were considered important concerns that hindered the rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors. A number of studies have investigated the effects of physical activity, but they have not reached the same conclusions. This review aimed to identify the effects of physical activity on QOL, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, SinoMed, CNKI, Vip, and WanFang databases were searched for the time period between January 1, 2012, and April 30, 2022. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials of the effects of physical activity on QOL, anxiety, or depression in breast cancer survivors. The tools of the Joanna Briggs Institute were used to assess the quality of the included studies. R software version 4.3.1 was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies, involving 2105 participants, were included in the systematic review. Among these, 20 studies involving 1228 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the results indicated that physical activity can significantly improve QOL(Hedges' g = 0.67; 95% CI 0.41-0.92) and reduce anxiety (Hedges' g = -0.28; 95% CI -0.46 to -0.10) in breast cancer survivors. However, the effect of physical activity on depression (Hedges' g = -0.46; 95% CI -0.99 to 0.06) was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity was an effective intervention to improve QOL and reduce anxiety in breast cancer survivors, as well as showed positive trends in depression, although without statistical significance. More well-designed studies are required to clarify the effects of different types of physical activities on the QOL, anxiety, and depression among breast cancer survivors.

REGISTERED NUMBER ON PROSPERO

CRD42022363094. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=363094.

Effects of exercise on cancer-related cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is one of the major long-term concerns reported by breast cancer survivors after overcoming the disease. The present study undertakes a scoping review of relevant research publications to explore the effect of increasing physical activity (PA) levels or the use of exercise (EX)-based programs on CRCI in female breast cancer survivors; who have completed neo/adjuvant chemotherapy treatment and are awaiting or receiving hormonal therapy.

METHODS

An electronic search of Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, WOS, and Cochrane databases has been conducted to identify published literature from January 2000 to December 2021.

RESULTS

Of 1129 articles, twenty met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the included observational studies (90%) reported cross-sectional design; meanwhile, 72% of experimental research reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or randomized crossover trials. 15 neuropsychological batteries and tests, and 5 self-reported validated questionnaires were employed. Only 27% of the included articles used a combination of the previously mentioned methods. The recorder of moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA), defined as more than 3 METs, or represented as average daily minutes spent (≥ 1952 counts/min) was the most analyzed variable in cross-sectional studies, and EX programs based on aerobic training (AT) were the most proposed by RCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

The exploratory approach of this review demonstrates modest but increasingly promising evidence regarding exercise's potential to improve brain health among breast cancer survivors although these findings highlight the importance of addressing methodological heterogeneity in the same direction with the view of using exercise within the clinic area.

Effects of personalized exercise prescriptions and social media delivered through mobile health on cancer survivors' physical activity and quality of life

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the effects of a multi-component mobile health intervention (wearable, apps, and social media) on cancer survivors' (CS') physical activity (PA), quality of life, and PA determinants compared to exercise prescription only, social media only, and attention control conditions.

METHODS

A total of 126 CS (age = 60.37 ± 7.41 years, mean ± SD) were recruited from the United States. The study duration was 6 months and participants were randomly placed into 4 groups. All participants received a Fitbit tracker and were instructed to install its companion app to monitor their daily PA. They (1) received previously established weekly personalized exercise prescriptions via email, (2) received weekly Facebook health education and interacted with one another, (3) received both Conditions 1 and 2, or (4) were part of the control condition, meaning they adopted usual care. CS PA daily steps, quality of life (i.e., physical health and mental health), and PA determinants (e.g., self-efficacy, social support) were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

RESULTS

The final sample size included 123 CS. The results revealed only the multi-component condition had greater improvements in PA daily steps than the control condition post-intervention (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 368-2951; p < 0.05). Similarly, those in the multi-component condition had significantly greater increased physical health than the control condition (95%CI: -0.41 to -0.01; p < 0.05) over time. In addition, the social media condition had significantly greater increased perceived social support than the control condition (95%CI: 0.01-0.93; p < 0.05). No other significant differences on outcomes were identified.

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggest that the implementation of a multi-component mobile health intervention had positive effects on CS PA steps and physical health. Also, offering social media intervention has the potential to improve CS perceived social support.

Behaviour change techniques used in lifestyle interventions that aim to reduce cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle interventions that target dietary and/or physical activity behaviours may impact cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors. Changing lifestyle may be especially difficult for cancer survivors suffering from cancer-related fatigue. To increase effectiveness of lifestyle interventions, behaviour change techniques (BCTs) can be applied. The aim of this review is to systematically describe which BCTs are applied in lifestyle interventions targeting cancer-related fatigue among cancer survivors who finished primary treatment.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of dietary and/or physical activity interventions targeting cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors. The BCT taxonomy was used to code the BCTs that were applied in those interventions. BCTs that were reported in at least 25% of effective interventions were indicated as 'promising BCT', but only retained this classification when these BCTs were present in less than 25% of ineffective interventions.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine RCTs were identified, of which 17 were effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue. The most frequently applied BCTs were Goal setting (behaviour), Instruction on how to perform the behaviour, Demonstration of the behaviour, Behavioural practice/rehearsal, and Credible Source. The BCT 'Generalisation of the target behaviour' was identified as promising. These results should be interpreted with caution as only three studies screened their participants on level of cancer-related fatigue and most studies focused only on physical activity. Furthermore, many studies did not include a measure for actual behaviour change and had no follow-up period after the intervention ended.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for studies that screen their participants on level of cancer-related fatigue and a need for studies that focus more on dietary behaviours as a possible intervention to reduce fatigue. Also, studies should include follow-up timepoints after the interventions ends to examine long-term behaviour change. Future lifestyle interventions should describe interventions in detail to allow for easier coding of BCTs, and report on actual behaviour change following the intervention. Interventions may apply the BCT 'Generalisation of the target behaviour' to incorporate lifestyle behaviours in daily life. This may increase the chance that interventions will effectively reduce cancer-related fatigue.

A scoping review of studies exploring physical activity and cognition among persons with cancer

PURPOSE

This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesize published studies on physical activity (PA) and cognition among persons with cancer and elucidate knowledge gaps.

METHODS

Articles were identified through electronic and manual searches (02/21 and 03/22) using the following inclusion criteria: (1) empirical, peer-reviewed publication in English, (2) sample comprised persons with cancer, and (3) reported at least one statistical association between PA and cognition. Multiple reviewers independently performed study selection and data extraction, and results were mapped in tabular and narrative form.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven articles were eligible; these were largely published from 2017 to 2022 (54.6%), conducted in high-income countries (96.9%), and presented (quasi-)experimental studies (73.2%). Samples predominantly comprised women with breast cancer (48.5%), and recruitment often occurred post-treatment (63.9%). PA interventions included: aerobic (32.3%), resistance (4.8%), combined aerobic/resistance (38.7%), mind-body (19.4%), or other PA (4.8%). Most (66%) articles reported inconclusive findings; 32% were positive (in support of PA promoting cognition or vice versa), and 2.1% were negative. Diverse samples and studies with long-term follow-up were scarce.

CONCLUSIONS

The state of knowledge is insufficient and more rigorous, large-scale studies are required to provide definitive conclusions about the cognitive benefits of PA among persons with cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) thwarts quality of life. This review summarizes what is known about the association between PA and cognition among persons with cancer and concludes that the evidence is currently equivocal. Hence, it remains uncertain if PA interventions can reduce CRCI, and large-scale PA intervention trials explicitly designed to promote cognition are greatly needed.

A remotely delivered, peer-led intervention to improve physical activity and quality of life in younger breast cancer survivors

Younger breast cancer survivors (YBCS) consistently report poorer quality of life (QOL) than older survivors. Increasing physical activity (PA) may improve QOL, but this has been understudied in YBCS. This single arm pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a 3-month, peer-delivered, remote intervention to increase PA and improve QOL in YBCS. Data were collected from October 2019 - July 2020. Participants (n = 34, 43.1 ± 5.5 years old, 46 ± 34.4 months post-diagnosis, BMI = 30.2 ± 7.4 kg/m2) completed six video sessions with a trained peer mentor; self-monitored PA with a Fitbit activity tracker; and interacted with a private Fitbit Community for social support. At baseline, 3-and 6-months, participants completed QOL questionnaires and PA was measured through accelerometer (moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA]) and self-report (strength and flexibility). A parallel mixed-methods approach (qualitative interviews and quantitative satisfaction survey at 3-months) explored intervention feasibility and acceptability. One-way repeated-measures ANOVAs examined impacts on PA and QOL at 3-and 6-months. The intervention was feasible as evidenced by efficient recruitment, high retention, and adherence to intervention components. Remote delivery, working with a peer mentor, and using Fitbit tools were highly acceptable. From baseline to 3-months, participants increased time spent in objectively measured MVPA, strength, and flexibility exercises, and reported meaningful improvements to body image, fatigue, anxiety, and emotional support. A fully remote, peer-to-peer intervention is an acceptable and promising strategy to increase PA and improve QOL in YBCS. Refinements to the intervention and its delivery should be further assessed in future studies, toward the goal of disseminating an evidence-based, scalable intervention to the growing number of YBCS.Trial registration Prospectively registered as NCT04064892.

Randomized trial of exercise on cancer-related blood biomarkers and survival in women with ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

In randomized trials in women with breast cancer, exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on cancer-related circulating biomarkers that may impact survival. Such studies are lacking for ovarian cancer.

METHODS

This secondary analysis of a published randomized controlled trial examined the impact of a 6-month exercise intervention versus attention-control on change in prespecified circulating biomarkers (cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), insulin and leptin) in a subset of participants who provided a fasting blood draw (N = 104/144) at enrollment and at 6 months. Change in biomarkers between study arms was compared using a linear mixed effects model analysis. An exploratory analysis of the exercise intervention versus attention-control on all-cause mortality included all (N = 144) participants. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Participants included in the biomarker analysis were 57.0 ± 8.8 (mean ± SD) years old and 1.6 ± 0.9 years post-diagnosis. Adherence to the exercise intervention was 176.4 ± 63.5 min/week. Post intervention IGF-1 (group difference in change: -14.2 (-26.1 to -2.3) ng/mL (least squared means (95% CI))) and leptin (-8.9 (-16.5 to -1.4) ng/mL) were significantly reduced in the exercise group (N = 53) compared to those in attention-control (N = 51). No group difference in change was seen for CA-125 (p = 0.54), CRP (p = 0.95), or insulin (p = 0.37). With median follow-up of 70 months [range 6.6-105.4 months], 50/144 (34.7%) (exercise group; 24/74 (32.4%) versus attention-control group; 26/70 (37.1%)) participants died with no between group difference in overall survival (p = 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of exercise-induced changes in cancer-related circulating biomarkers in women with ovarian cancer.

Analysis of load status and management strategies of main caregivers of patients with malignant tumors of digestive tract

Caregiver load refers to the subjective and objective negative impact of caregivers in the care of patients, and excessive load will have a serious impact on patients and caregivers themselves and can reduce their quality of life. For the main caregivers, it not only needs to care for the patients in life and daily life, but also needs to pay the cost of treatment for the patients, coupled with the need to carry out their own original work, life, etc. excessive life pressure, economic pressure, work pressure, emotional pressure, etc. lead to heavy load of the main caregivers, which can easily cause caregivers to have different degrees of psychological problems, which will cause serious adverse effects on the caregivers themselves and cancer patients, not conducive to the construction of a harmonious family and society. This article analyzes the current situation of primary caregiver burden in patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors, analyzes its influencing factors, and specifies specific treatment strategies. It is hoped to provide scientific guidance for later related research and application.

BDNF Augmentation Using Riluzole Reverses Doxorubicin-Induced Decline in Cognitive Function and Neurogenesis

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) considerably affects the quality of life of millions of cancer survivors. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to promote survival, differentiation, and maintenance of in vivo dentate neurogenesis, and chemotherapy induces a plethora of physiological and cellular alterations, including a decline in neurogenesis and increased neuroinflammation linked with cognitive impairments. In our clinical studies, breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin (Adriamycin®, ADR) experienced a significant reduction in the blood levels of BDNF that was associated with a higher risk of CRCI. Our past rodent studies in CRCI have also shown a significant reduction in dentate neurogenesis accompanied by cognitive impairment. In this study, using a female mouse model of ADR-induced cognitive decline, we tested the impact of riluzole (RZ), an orally active BDNF-enhancing medication that is FDA-approved for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ADR-treated mice receiving RZ in the drinking water for 1 month showed significant improvements in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory function (spatial recognition), fear extinction memory consolidation, and reduced anxiety-like behavior. RZ prevented chemotherapy-induced reductions of BDNF levels in the hippocampus. Importantly, RZ mitigated chemotherapy-induced loss of newly born, immature neurons, dentate neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation. In conclusion, this data provides pre-clinical evidence for a translationally feasible approach to enhance the neuroprotective effects of RZ treatment to prevent CRCI.

Identification of age differences in cancer-related symptoms in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer in China

BACKGROUND

Both contextual and cancer-related factors could be identified as causes of the interindividual variability observed for symptoms experienced during breast cancer treatment with chemotherapy. Understanding age differences and the predictors of latent class memberships for symptom heterogeneity could contribute to personalized interventions. This study aimed to identify the role of age differences on cancer-related symptoms in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer in China.

METHODS

A cross‑sectional survey was conducted among patients with breast cancer in three tertiary hospitals in central China between August 2020 to December 2021. The outcomes of this study included sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-57 and PROMIS-cognitive function short form scores.

RESULTS

A total of 761 patients were included, with a mean age of 48.5 (SD = 11.8). Similar scores were observed across age groups for all symptoms except for fatigue and sleep disturbance domains. The most central symptoms varied among each group, and were fatigue, depression, and pain interference for the young-aged, middle-aged, and elderly-aged groups, respectively. In the young-aged group, patients without health insurance (OR = 0.30, P = 0.048) and in the fourth round of chemotherapy or above (OR = 0.33, P = 0.005) were more likely to belong to low symptom classes. In the middle-aged group, patients in menopause (OR = 3.58, P = 0.001) were more likely to belong to high symptom classes. In the elderly-aged group, patients with complications (OR = 7.40, P = 0.003) tended to belong to the high anxiety, depression, and pain interference classes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study indicated that there is age-specific heterogeneity of symptoms present for Chinese women being treated for breast cancer with chemotherapy. Tailored intervention should consider the impact of age to reduce patients' symptom burdens.

Longitudinal Analysis of Patient-Reported Cognitive Function in Multiple Myeloma

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has been largely unstudied in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). This study describes patient-reported cognition over time and patient factors associated with adverse cognitive outcomes in MM.

METHODS

Participants enrolled in a registry in which they completed a geriatric assessment at study entry, and 3 & 6 months after entry. Cognitive function was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 Cognitive Function subscale, with CRCI defined as scores < 75. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to fit longitudinal models to investigate differences by group and differences in changes over time by group, with adjustment for time since diagnosis.

RESULTS

One hundred and four adults with MM had mean age of 67 years and 30% identified as Black. Patient-reported CRCI was present in 18% of participants at enrollment, 21% at 3 months, and 30% at 6 months. Worse cognitive function was reported in those with impairments in physical function (P = .002), IADLs (P = .02), and performance status (P = .04), as well as in those who were prefrail/frail (P = .02) and depressed (P = .049). Greater cognitive decline over time was observed in patients without CRCI at enrollment (P < .0001) and those with lower levels of education (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

This is one of the first studies to describe longitudinal changes in patient-reported cognition in patients with MM. Several potentially intervenable factors, including physical function impairment and depression, were associated with worse cognition at study entry, but only baseline CRCI status and education level were predictive of future decline.

Blood-Based Biomarkers of Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Non-Central Nervous System Cancer: A Scoping Review

This scoping review was designed to synthesize the extant literature on associations between subjective and/or objective measures of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and blood-based biomarkers in adults with non-central nervous system cancers. The literature search was done for studies published from the start of each database searched (i.e., MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, grey literature) through to October 20, 2021. A total of 95 studies are included in this review. Of note, a wide variety of biomarkers were evaluated. Most studies evaluated patients with breast cancer. A variety of cognitive assessment measures were used. The most consistent significant findings were with various subjective and objective measures of CRCI and levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor. Overall, biomarker research is in an exploratory phase. However, this review synthesizes findings and proposes directions for future research.

Integrating molecular biomarkers in breast cancer rehabilitation. What is the current evidence? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background: Quality of life issues is a crucial burden in breast cancer (BC) survivors with relevant implications in terms of survivorship and health-care costs. The increasing long-term survival of these patients provides new challenges, with translational research now focusing on innovative and tailored approaches to improve their complex management. In this scenario, several emerging biomarkers have the potential to improve the clinical rehabilitative management of patients with BC. However, to date, guidelines supporting biomarker implementation in this area are still lacking. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize the currently available biomarkers that might be potentially integrated into rehabilitation practice to promote a precision medicine approach to BC survivorship issues.

Methods: On 9th March 2022, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and PEDro were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing rehabilitation interventions in BC patients. Molecular biomarker modifications induced by physical exercise have been assessed through the review of the study protocols and published results. The Jadad scale was used to assess the quality of the studies included.

Results: Out of 2,224 records, 22 studies were included in the present systematic review. Exercise therapy showed significant results in 15 RCTs, in terms of metabolic biomarkers, including glycemic and insulin profile, and lipid profile (p ≤ 0.05). Similarly, 12 studies underlined significant effects in inflammation and immune response biomarkers, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, C-reactive protein, leptin, and adiponectin (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, cardiac biomarkers were assessed in three studies without reporting significant differences after exercise therapy (p = NS). The quality assessment identified 19 RCTs as high-quality studies and three RCTs of low quality.

Conclusion: Our findings reveal significant biochemical perturbations in key molecules induced by physical exercise in patients with BC, suggesting room for the implementation of actionable biomarkers. Future research might clarify the role of biomarkers on treatment effectiveness monitoring, to optimize rehabilitative strategies tailored to patient’s needs.

EVIDENCE OF BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR IN AMELIORATING CANCER-RELATED COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF HUMAN STUDIES

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity and may be a key protein in cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). This systematic review assessed the relationship between BDNF biomarkers and neurocognitive outcomes in cancer patients and survivors. A search in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO yielded 638 articles, of which 26 were eligible. Fourteen (54%)studied BDNF protein levels while 15 (58%) analyzed BDNF rs6265 polymorphism. Of the nine observational studies reporting BDNF plasma/serum levels, five (56%) exhibited a positive association between BDNF and cognitive function. One study reported intra-tumoral BDNF levels that were negatively associated with memory. For rs6265, three (20%) of 15 studies reported an association with cognitive function with inconsistent directions. Among seven neuroimaging studies, three (43%) demonstrated an effect of BDNF on brain function and structure. These results suggest that BDNF is a potential monitoring biomarker and druggable target for CRCI.

Physical activity interventions using behaviour change theories for women with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Physical activity is a well-established strategy to alleviate breast cancer-related adverse outcomes. To optimise health benefits, behaviour change theories provide frameworks to support women in improving their physical activity. This review aimed to evaluate (i) the effects of behaviour change theory-based physical activity interventions for women with breast cancer and (ii) the application of these theories.

METHODS

Seven online databases were searched. Trials were included if randomised and controlled, involved physical activity interventions ≥ 12 weeks duration, used a behaviour change theory, and participants were < 3 years post-cancer treatment. Risk of bias and theory use were assessed. Data were synthesised narratively and meta-analysed.

RESULTS

Forty articles describing 19 trials were included. Overall risk of bias was moderately high. Post-intervention pooled effect estimates were medium for self-reported (SMD = 0.57) and objectively measured physical activity (SMD = 0.52). Most trials cited the social cognitive theory (n = 10) and transtheoretical model (n = 9). Trials rarely applied theories in their entirety, expounded on behavioural mechanisms, or tailored interventions according to behavioural constructs. The most commonly used types of behavioural techniques were goals and planning (n = 18), shaping of knowledge (n = 18), feedback and monitoring (n = 17), and comparisons of outcomes (n = 17).

CONCLUSIONS

The included trials were effective for increasing physical activity in women with breast cancer. Theories were applied using a wide range of approaches and levels of rigour, although shared the use of common behavioural techniques.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Future research may benefit breast cancer survivors by more comprehensively applying behaviour change theories, emphasising individual patient needs and goals.

The Promise of Nutrient-Derived Bioactive Compounds and Dietary Components to Ameliorate Symptoms of Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors

OPINION STATEMENT

One of the most burdensome symptoms reported by breast cancer patients is chemotherapy-related neurocognitive impairment. It is estimated that of the 11 million cancer survivors in the USA, 22% of them are breast cancer patients. The National Cancer Institute classified chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) as one of the most debilitating sequelae of cancer therapy, limiting this patient population from recommencing their lives prior to the diagnosis of breast cancer. Currently, there are no strategies that are established to prevent, mitigate, or treat CRCI. In addition to surviving cancer, quality of life is critical to cancer survivors. Based on the multiple and complex biological and psychosocial etiology, the varying manifestation and extent of cognitive decline documented in breast cancer survivors, possibly attributed to varying combinations of chemotherapy and dose and duration of therapy, multimodal interventions combining promising nutrient-derived bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to structured cognitive training and exercise regimens, can work synergistically to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress with significant improvement in cognitive function resulting in improvements in quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

Effect of Wearable Technology-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Breast Cancer Survivors' Physiological, Cognitive, and Emotional Outcomes: A Systematic Review

This systematic review synthesized all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials examining the effects of wearable health technology-based physical activity interventions on physiological, cognitive, and emotional outcomes in breast cancer survivors (BCS). We searched NCBI, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and Medline from inception to March 2021. We included studies which: (1) were RCTs or controlled trials ≥8 weeks in duration; (2) were peer-reviewed and published in English; (3) sampled BCS in full remission and had not received treatment for at least six months; (4) utilized wearable health technology (e.g., Fitbit, Garmin xGC30); and (5) examined physiological, emotional, and/or cognitive outcomes. Sixty-six studies were identified and 14 were included in the review. Most of the observed effects were statistically significant and those which employed multi-component interventions generally yielded greater effects. Overall, the use of wearable health technology reduced sedentary behavior and increased moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. Further, increased moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was observed to be associated with increased perceived cognition and higher cognitive performance. Multiple studies also observed significant improvements in attitude, worry, and anxiety. Overall, findings suggested wearable health technology-based physical activity interventions to be effective for improving physical activity, attitude, and cognitive functions and for reducing sedentary behavior, anxiety, and worry in BCS.

Effect of Wearable Technology-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Breast Cancer Survivors' Physiological, Cognitive, and Emotional Outcomes: A Systematic Review

This systematic review synthesized all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials examining the effects of wearable health technology-based physical activity interventions on physiological, cognitive, and emotional outcomes in breast cancer survivors (BCS). We searched NCBI, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and Medline from inception to March 2021. We included studies which: (1) were RCTs or controlled trials ≥8 weeks in duration; (2) were peer-reviewed and published in English; (3) sampled BCS in full remission and had not received treatment for at least six months; (4) utilized wearable health technology (e.g., Fitbit, Garmin xGC30); and (5) examined physiological, emotional, and/or cognitive outcomes. Sixty-six studies were identified and 14 were included in the review. Most of the observed effects were statistically significant and those which employed multi-component interventions generally yielded greater effects. Overall, the use of wearable health technology reduced sedentary behavior and increased moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. Further, increased moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was observed to be associated with increased perceived cognition and higher cognitive performance. Multiple studies also observed significant improvements in attitude, worry, and anxiety. Overall, findings suggested wearable health technology-based physical activity interventions to be effective for improving physical activity, attitude, and cognitive functions and for reducing sedentary behavior, anxiety, and worry in BCS.

A randomized trial of physical activity for cognitive functioning in breast cancer survivors: Rationale and study design of I Can! Improving Cognition After Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Difficulties with cognition are extremely common among breast cancer survivors and can significantly impact quality of life, daily functioning, and ability to return to work. One promising intervention is increasing physical activity, as it has been effective in improving cognition in non-cancer populations. Few physical activity intervention trials with cognition outcomes have included cancer survivors. This project builds upon our previous work indicating that increased physical activity can improve objectively measured processing speed and self-reported cognition among breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

The I Can! study will examine whether a physical activity intervention improves cognition among 250 post-treatment breast cancer survivors (Stages I-III, <5 years post-treatment) who are reporting cognitive difficulties. This 2-arm randomized controlled trial comparing a 6-month physical activity intervention (Exercise Group) to a health & wellness attention-comparison condition (Health & Wellness Group) will examine intervention effects on cognition (at 3 and 6 months) and maintenance of effects at 12 months. The primary aim is to investigate the impact of exercise on objectively measured processing speed and self-reported cognition. Secondary aims are to investigate maintenance of cognitive changes and examine candidate biological mechanisms and psychological mediators.

CONCLUSION

The I Can! study will contribute to the scientific, public health, and survivorship intervention literature by providing new information on the impact of physical activity for cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors. Findings from this study will inform guidelines for physical activity to improve the lives of millions of breast cancer survivors.