Outcomes of physical exercises on initiation, progression, and treatment of breast cancer

Cell Commun Signal. 2024 May 7;22(1):260. doi: 10.1186/s12964-024-01634-6.

Abstract

The emergence of drug resistance is a substantial obstacle to the effective management of breast cancer, which is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. To facilitate the development of targeted therapies that can effectively overcome drug resistance, it is crucial to possess a comprehensive comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that underpin resistance to breast cancer treatment. So far, considerable progress has been made in the field of exercise-oncology research and overcome drug resistance, specifically about breast cancer. Evidence has suggested that participation in physical activity is correlated with a decrease in reappearance and fatality rates of breast cancer patients. It has been reported that participation in physical activity can yield favorable outcomes in the prevention, treatment, and post-treatment of breast cancer. An increasing body of empirical evidence suggests that participation in physical activity can alter diverse biological mechanisms, potentially augmenting breast cancer treatments' efficacy. Comparing increased physical activity versus reduced physical activity in breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery supported the significance of exercise in comprehensive care strategies to enhance overall health and treatment efficacy. Furthermore, previous studies have reported that physical activity can enhance the efficacy of breast cancer treatments. This review provides the current literature regarding the influence of physical activity on the occurrence and progression of breast cancer.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Cancer therapy; Physical exercises; Resistance.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome