What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Review. Population: Breast cancer. Intervention: Exercise.

February 25, 2016Open Access

Breast cancer treatment-associated cardiovascular toxicity and effects of exercise countermeasures

Key Result

Exercise training during and after breast cancer treatment may attenuate treatment-related declines in cardiopulmonary function and improve VO2peak.

Structured PICO

Does exercise training prevent or improve adverse cardiovascular effects in women with early-stage breast cancer receiving adjuvant therapy?

Population

Women with early-stage breast cancer receiving adjuvant therapy

Intervention

Exercise training during and after treatment

Outcome

Adverse cardiovascular effects of breast cancer therapy

This review highlights the potential of exercise training as a cardioprotective strategy against the adverse cardiovascular effects of breast cancer adjuvant therapy.

Limitations

The prognostic significance of exercise-induced improvements in VO2peak remains unknown.
Prospective studies require long-term follow-up due to the latency period between breast cancer treatment and cardiovascular outcomes.
Optimal intensity, timing, and duration of exercise remain to be determined.

Abstract

Advances in breast cancer treatment have improved disease-free survival and overall survival in women with early-stage breast cancer. However, these improvements may be attenuated by the adverse cardiovascular effects associated with breast cancer adjuvant therapy. Exercise may be a potential strategy to counteract these toxicities. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview on the adverse cardiovascular effects of breast cancer therapy as well as the evidence supporting the potential cardioprotective effects of exercise training in breast cancer patients during and after treatment. We will also discuss research gaps and avenues for future research.

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