Prospective study of exercise intervention in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy

Introduction Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an important component of modern prostate cancer treatment. Survival benefits from neo‐adjuvant and adjuvant hormones may take years to manifest, and balancing this with potential morbidity of therapy can be challenging. This study aimed to assess whether education and short‐term combined aerobic and resistance exercises could help to ameliorate the adverse side effects of ADT. Methods Eight hundred fifty‐nine patients with relapsed or metastatic prostate cancer on leuprorelin acetate were allocated to three interventional streams based on patient preference and medical fitness: supervised group (Face‐to‐Face) exercise sessions, home‐based (At Home) exercise or a support programme for those incapable of exercising (Support). Patients enrolled onto Face to Face underwent measurement of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness variables at baseline and programme completion. Patients in the exercise streams were surveyed to determine the programme's impact on physical fitness and well‐being. Results Statistically significant improvements (p