Impact of Exercise on Prognostic Biomarkers Related to Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common non-skin cancer effecting American males. Several
reports suggest that physical activity after cancer diagnosis is associated with better
cancer- specific and overall survival in individuals diagnosed with PCa. There is a growing
body of evidence for lifestyle interventions that aim to promote physical activity as having
the potential to counter some of the adverse effects of cancer treatments, disease
progression and other health outcomes. Exercise performed 2-3 times a week has been shown to
improve physical fitness, functional performance, and quality of life in men with PCa;
however, few men with PCa exercise regularly and do not meet national physical activity
guidelines. A potential explanation on the lack of exercise in men with PCa is the absence of
a structured, home-based, exercise program. While studies have shown positive effects of
exercise in men with PCa, little is known about how physical activity effects tumor
physiology in men with PCa. The primary objective of this pilot study is to gather
preliminary data regarding the impact of a novel, home-based exercise program on PCa
biomarkers associated with recurrence and metastasis of PCa in men under active surveillance.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Men aged 40 or older

- Diagnosed with prostate cancer

- Under active surveillance

- Subjects willing and able to provide consent to participating in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

- severe cardiac disease (New York Heart Association class III or greater)

- angina

- severe osteoporosis

- uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure > 160/95mm Hg)

- uncontrolled sinus tachycardia (> 120 beats per minute)

- uncontrolled congestive heart failure third-degree atrio-ventricular heart block,
active pericarditis or myocarditis, recent embolism, thrombophlebitis, deep vein
thrombosis, resting ST displacement (> 3mm), uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled pain,
cognitive impairment, history of falls due to balance impairment or lost of
consciousness,

- severe neuromusculoskeletal conditions that limit their ability to perform walking
exercise (including ataxia, peripheral or sensory neuropathy, unstable bone lesion,
severe arthritis, lower limb fractures within 6 months, lower limb amputation).