Exercise Boosts the Immune system in Breast Cancer Patients

Exercise might help the immune system fight cancer by mobilizing certain immune cells, but its effects in cancer patients haven't been studied much. This study looked at how a single session of moderate exercise affects immune cells in breast cancer patients.

Nineteen newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, aged 36–68, did 30 minutes of moderate exercise on a stationary bike. Blood samples were taken at rest, 15 and 30 minutes into the exercise, and 30 and 60 minutes after finishing.

The results showed that exercise increased the number of various immune cells, including total white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and different types of T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Some changes were temporary. The proportion of NK cells and CD8+ T-cells (both important for fighting cancer) increased, while a type of cell that can suppress the immune response decreased. However, regulatory T-cells did not change.

There were also links between immune cell changes and the patients' cancer characteristics. For example, larger tumors were associated with less NK cell mobilization, and progesterone receptor-positive tumors were linked to less CD8+ T-cell mobilization.

In summary, a single session of moderate exercise can shift the immune cell profile in breast cancer patients toward cells that are more effective at fighting tumors. This suggests that exercise might be a helpful part of cancer treatment.

Reference:

Koivula Tiia , Lempiäinen Salla , Neuvonen Joona , Norha Jooa , Hollmén Maija , Sundberg Carl Johan , Rundqvist Helene , Minn Heikki , Rinne Petteri , Heinonen Ilkka. The effect of exercise and disease status on mobilization of anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic immune cells in women with breast cancer. Frontiers in Immunology. 2024 https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1394420