Effects of physical activity changes induced by behaviour change interventions on inflammation and patient-centred outcomes in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

Ample evidence supports using behaviour change interventions to increase physical activity (PA) in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). This systematic review aims to investigate if behaviour change intervention-induced changes in PA can modulate inflammation and improve patient-centred outcomes in this population.

Methods

We searched six databases and synthesised evidence from 17 RCTs reporting between-group changes for inflammatory biomarkers, cancer-related fatigue (CRF), aerobic fitness, and/or quality of life (QoL).

Results

Two RCTs reported small-to-medium effect size decreases in the ratios of IL-6:IL-10 and TNF-a:IL-10 at 12 weeks. Five RCTs reported significant intervention improvements in aerobic fitness; three trials further showed sustained intervention effects at two- and three-month follow-up. Four trials reported beneficial reductions in CRF post-intervention and three trials showed sustained intervention effects at follow-up. Three trials showed significant improvements in QoL at three and six months, with two trials demonstrating sustained intervention effects at two- and three-month follow-up. Further, six trials reported significant improvements in at least one QoL variable.

Conclusion

We found limited but plausible evidence to support the beneficial effects of PA behaviour change interventions on inflammation and patient-centred outcomes in BCSs. Larger RCTs are particularly warranted to explore the causal impact on cytokine balance and possible mediating effects on patient-centred outcomes.

Keywords:

• Breast cancer survivors
• behaviour change interventions
• physical activity
• inflammation
• patient-centred outcomes

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability

All the relevant data are provided in the manuscript.