Multinational randomized trial of exercise in metastatic breast cancer: impact on fatigue and health-related quality of life

Physical exercise during and after curative cancer treatment has been shown to reduce side effects. Evidence in the metastatic cancer setting in scarce. The randomized PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial, at eight centers in five European countries and Australia, recruted patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) with a life expectancy of at least 6 months, without unstable bone metastases. Patient were randomized 1:1 to usual care (n=179) or a 9-months supervised exercise program (n=178). Effects of the intervention on fatigue and health-related quality of life were determined with EORTC QLQ-FA12 and C30 questionnaires, respectively. For both endpoints, exercise was associated with significant improvements. Two serious adverse events occurred (fractures; not related to bone metastases). The authors conclude thatsupervised exercise has positive effects on physical fatigue and HRQOL in patients with mBC and should be recommended as part of supportive care.