A recently published study evaluating the long-term effects of structured exercise following chemotherapy has demonstrated significant benefits for patients with colon cancer. The trial, known as the CHALLENGE study and funded by the Canadian Cancer Society and other partners, reveals that engaging in a supervised, three-year exercise program shortly after completing adjuvant chemotherapy can substantially extend disease-free survival—and may also suggest improvements in overall survival.
The trial included patients with stage II or III colon cancer who had recently completed standard adjuvant chemotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned either to partake in the exercise regimen or receive standard health education without a structured physical activity component. The intervention group engaged in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise under professional supervision, gradually increasing frequency and intensity over the span of three years.
Results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in disease-free survival among those in the exercise group compared to the control group. Furthermore, trends also indicated a potential improvement in overall survival, although this data remains under continued evaluation for long-term verification.
Study authors argue that the findings underscore the importance of physical activity as a component of cancer survivorship care. They suggest that structured exercise be considered as a beneficial adjunct therapy for eligible colon cancer patients following chemotherapy. Moreover, the study may pave the way for broader implementation of exercise-based rehabilitation programs in oncological care settings.
The CHALLENGE trial is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00819208 and adds to a growing body of evidence linking physical activity with favorable cancer outcomes.
Source: https:// – Courtesy of the original publisher.
