Lifestyle intervention in men with advanced prostate cancer receiving androgen suppression therapy: a feasibility study.

Background Healthy lifestyle behaviors could have a role in ameliorating some of the adverse-effects of androgen suppression therapy (AST) in men with prostate cancer. The primary aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a tapered supervised exercise program in combination with dietary advice, in men with advanced Prostate cancer receiving AST. Methods Men with advanced prostate cancer receiving AST for a minimum duration of six months were randomized to either a 12 week lifestyle program (combined aerobic and resistance exercise) with dietary advice (n=25) or to standard care (n=25). Exercise behavior, dietary macronutrient intake, quality of life, fatigue, functional fitness and biomarkers associated with disease progression were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention and at six months. Results The lifestyle group demonstrated improvements in exercise behavior (P<0.001), dietary fat intake (P=0.001), total energy intake (P=0.005), fatigue (P=0.002), aerobic exercise tolerance (P<0.001) and muscle strength (P=0.033) compared to the standard care controls, over the period of the intervention. Improvements in key health outcomes were sustained despite a 44% attrition at six months. No effect on PSA levels were observed. Conclusions This study provides evidence that pragmatic lifestyle interventions have much potential to evoke improvements in exercise and dietary behavior and other important health outcomes in men with advanced prostate cancer receiving AST. Impact This study shows for the first time that pragmatic lifestyle interventions, are feasible and could have a positive impact on health behaviors and health outcomes in men with advanced prostate cancer receiving AST.