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Published in:

01-06-2012

Health-related quality of life and biomarkers in breast cancer survivors participating in tai chi chuan

Authors: Lisa K. Sprod, Michelle C. Janelsins, Oxana G. Palesh, Jennifer K. Carroll, Charles E. Heckler, Luke J. Peppone, Supriya G. Mohile, Gary R. Morrow, Karen M. Mustian

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 2/2012

Abstract

Introduction

Breast cancer survivors experience diminished health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We report on the influence of tai chi chuan exercise (TCC) on HRQOL and explore associations between changes in HRQOL and biomarkers.

Methods

Breast cancer survivors (N = 21) were randomly assigned to TCC or standard support therapy (SST) for 12 weeks (three times/week; 60 min/session). Interleukin-6, interleukin-8 (IL-8), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IBFBP)-1, IGFBP-3, glucose, insulin, and cortisol were measured pre- and postintervention. Overall HRQOL and subdomains were assessed at preintervention (T1), midintervention (T2) and postintervention (T3) and biomarkers at T1 and T3.

Results

The TCC group improved in total HRQOL (T1–T2:CS = 8.54, P = 0.045), physical functioning (T1–T2:CS = 1.89, P = 0.030), physical role limitations (T1–T2 CS = 1.55, P = 0.023), social functioning (T1–T3:CS = 1.50, P = 0.020), and general mental health (T1–T2:CS = 2.67, P = 0.014; T1–T3:CS = 2.44, P = 0.019). The SST improved in social functioning (T1–T2:CS = 0.64, P = 0.043) and vitality (T1–T2:CS = 0.90, P = 0.01). There were relationships between changes in IGF-1 and overall HRQOL (r = −0.56; P < 0.05), physical role limitation (r = −0.68; P < 0.05), and social functioning (r = −0.56; P < 0.05). IGFBP-1 changes were associated with physical role limitations changes (r = 0.60; P < 0.05). IGFBP-3 changes were associated with physical functioning changes (r = 0.46; P ≤ 0.05). Cortisol changes were associated with changes in physical role limitations (r = 0.74; P < 0.05) and health perceptions (r = 0.46; P < 0.05). Glucose changes were associated with emotional role limitation changes (r = −0.70; P < 0.001). IL-8 changes were associated with emotional role limitation changes (r = 0.59; P < 0.05).

Discussion/conclusions

TCC may improve HRQOL by regulating inflammatory responses and other biomarkers associated with side effects from cancer and its treatments.

Implications for cancer survivors

TCC may be an intervention capable of improving HRQOL in breast cancer survivors.

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Title: Health-related quality of life and biomarkers in breast cancer survivors participating in tai chi chuan
Authors: Lisa K. Sprod
Michelle C. Janelsins
Oxana G. Palesh
Jennifer K. Carroll
Charles E. Heckler
Luke J. Peppone
Supriya G. Mohile
Gary R. Morrow
Karen M. Mustian
Publication date: 01-06-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-011-0205-7

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion/conclusions

Implications for cancer survivors

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