A randomized trial of exercise on quality of life in men with metastatic prostate cancer: The ExPeCT Trial.
97 Background: All patients living with cancer, including those with metastatic cancer, are encouraged to be physically active. This paper examines the feasibility of an aerobic exercise intervention for men with metastatic prostate cancer. Methods: ExPeCT (Exercise, Prostate Cancer and Circulating Tumour Cells), was a multi-centre randomised control trial for men living with metastatic prostate cancer. Participants were randomized to either control or exercise arms. Participants in the exercise arm completed six- months of prescribed aerobic exercise. Quality of life assessments were completed at baseline, at 3 months and at 6 months using a standardised questionnaire derived from the Harvard Health Professionals Follow-up study. Physical activity was measured using a self-administered physical activity questionnaire. Exercise adherence data was collected via Polar heart rate monitors, worn by the patient for every exercise session undertaken. Results: A total of 61 patients were included (69.4±7.3 yr, Body Mass Index 29.2±5.8 kg/m2). The median time since diagnosis was 34 months (IQR 7-54). A total of 35 (55%) of participants had >1 region affected by metastatic disease. A total of 54 (81%) of participants completed the 3 month assessment and 52 (78%) of the participants completed the 6 month assessment. Adherence to the supervised sessions was 83% (329 out of 396 sessions attended). Participants were adherent to both the intensity (82%) and duration (83%) of the prescribed exercise programme during class sessions. No adverse events were reported by participants enrolled in this study. There was no significant difference in physical activity levels, sedentary time or quality of life between either group at baseline, 3 months or 6 months. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the exercise group when compared to the control group at 3 months (p=.008) and 6 months (p=.011). Conclusions: The exercise intervention was tolerated well by a group of patients with a high burden of metastatic prostate cancer however did not lead to change in physical activity levels or quality of life. This trial provides proof of principle evidence for future exercise studies involving this patient group. Clinical trial information: NCT02453139.