Single-center phase 1 trial of neoadjuvant exercise therapy in localized prostate cancer

Observational data have shown that postdiagnosis exercise in associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer death. The feasiblity and tumor biological activity of exercise therapy is not known. A phase 1 trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY) included inactive men with treatment-naïve localized prostate cancer scheduled to undergo surgical resection. The intervention consisted of six escalated exercise therapy dose levels ranging from 90 to 450 minutes per week of individualized, moderate-intensity treadmill walking. All exercise therapy dose levels were feasible, with 225 to 375 minutes per week showing promising biological activity (changes in Ki67 and PSA). The authors conclude that 225 minutes per week can be selected as the recommended phase 2 dose. Further evaluation of exercise therapy at this dose is warranted in prostate and other solid tumors.