By Dr. David Samadi
Recent research has highlighted the positive impact of high-intensity aerobic training on key cardiometabolic markers in men under active surveillance for prostate cancer. According to the Exercise During Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer (ERASE) study, a 12-week regimen of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) significantly improved total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and insulin levels in participants.
Published in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, the ERASE study demonstrates that a structured HIIT program with sessions at 85-951 VO2max for 28 to 40 minutes, three times per week, can lead to significant improvements in cardiometabolic health. The researchers suggest that these benefits could also influence cancer progression by affecting cardiovascular health, potentially altering cancer-related signaling pathways.
Methods and results of the study
In the study, 52 men under active surveillance were divided into two groups: an exercise group and a usual care group. Participants, with an average age of 63.4 years and an average body mass index (BMI) of 29.0 kg/m², had various comorbidities, including arthritis, hypertension, and diabetes. Despite the small sample size, the exercise group showed a notable reduction in total cholesterol (−0.40 mmol/L) and non-HDL-C (−0.35 mmol/L) levels, along with improvements in insulin (−13.6 pmol/L), insulin-like growth factor-1 (−15.0 ng/mL), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) (152.3 ng/mL) levels.
Interestingly, no significant differences were observed between groups in weight or other biomarkers such as fasting glucose, HbA1c and some specific lipid markers. These results underline the potential of exercise to positively influence cardiometabolic markers. However, further research is required to determine whether these changes lead to a reduction in clinical events and better long-term outcomes.
Key points
The study emphasizes the need for urologists to consider cardiovascular health alongside prostate cancer progression when recommending lifestyle interventions. Since cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among men, including those with prostate cancer, integrating exercise into care plans for patients under active surveillance could be a crucial strategy to improve their overall health.
Although this study does not provide conclusive evidence on reduced mortality, it does strengthen the argument for exercise as a beneficial intervention. Larger studies are needed to explore whether exercise can directly influence survival rates and how cardiovascular health might impact prostate cancer progression.
Meanwhile, although men with low-risk prostate cancer have a very low chance of dying from the disease, they are still at risk for CVD. Addressing lifestyle factors, including exercise, is vital to managing your overall health and possibly mitigating the risks associated with both cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital on Long Island. He is a highly-regarded and successful board-certified urologic oncologist and robotic surgery expert based in New York City. He is considered one of the foremost prostate surgeons in the United States with extensive experience in the treatment of prostate cancer and robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Additionally, Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor on NewsMax TV and the author of “The Ultimate MANual,” Dr. Samadi’s guide to men’s health and wellness, available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at Robotic Oncology and Prostate Cancer 911.