Research will be taken to determine whether exercise could be prescribed to prostate cancer patients. Photo Source: Men’s Health.
Rónán Stewart, Deputy Editor.
QUB are taking part in a global trial which could see prostate cancer sufferers being prescribed physical exercise.
Researchers from Queen’s are among 150 experts from around the world who form the Global Action Plan 4 Global Prostate Cancer, (GAP4) led by The Movember Foundation.
The collaborative clinical trial aims to recruit 866 patients across three continents which will enable the sharing of data and biological samples among experts with the aim of improving the life expectancy of prostate cancer patients.
The trial will place men with advanced prostate cancer on a “high intensity exercise regime, tailored to their level of fitness.”
Researchers will collaborate to determine if aerobic and resistance training in addition to the ‘standard’ psycho-social support offered to prostate cancer sufferers will increase overall survival rates.
Dr Gillian Prue, who is heading the study at QUB said:
“We know already that physical activity plays a significant factor in maintaining our health and fitness. Exercise can help alleviate the common symptoms associated with having cancer treatment such as pain and fatigue, but we are now delighted to be working with experts around the world to not only help men with prostate cancer feel better, but to try and actually boost survival rates.”
“The overall aim is that exercise will be prescribed alongside traditional treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy at a global level.”
Dr Suneil Jain from Queen’s added: “Many standard treatments cause side-effects including weight gain and loss of muscle bulk. High intensity interval training may make men fitter, improve their quality of life and even prolong their survival.”
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