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A groundbreaking study from the University of Turku in Finland reveals that a simple 30-minute exercise session can significantly enhance the presence of tumor-killing white blood cells in the bloodstream of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Published in Frontiers in Immunology, the research underscores the potential of exercise in bolstering immune responses crucial for fighting cancer.
White blood cells, pivotal players in our immune system, play dual roles in cancer: some combat cancer cells, while others inadvertently promote their growth. Lead author Tiia Koivula, a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Turku, highlights the study’s findings on the impact of exercise on these immune dynamics.
The study involved twenty newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who participated in a supervised cycling session on a bicycle ergometer. Blood samples collected before, during, and after exercise were meticulously analyzed to track changes in various types of white blood cells.
Key findings revealed a marked increase in cancer-destroying cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells during exercise, pivotal for combating cancerous cells. Importantly, the study noted no significant change in cancer-promoting regulatory T cells and myeloid derived suppressor cells.
Dr. Koivula emphasized, “The balance of different white blood cell types determines whether the immune system supports or fights cancer. Increasing the number and proportion of cancer-destroying cells during exercise suggests a potential benefit in cancer therapy.”
Furthermore, the research delved into how different breast cancer types influenced exercise responses. Larger tumors correlated with lesser increases in natural killer cells, while hormone receptor-positive cancers showed reduced boosts in cytotoxic T cells compared to hormone receptor-negative cancers.
Despite these nuances, Dr. Koivula cautioned against definitive conclusions due to the study’s preliminary nature. “While our findings are promising, more research is needed to understand how exercise-induced changes in bloodstream white blood cells translate into tumor responses,” she added.
The study also observed that most white blood cell counts returned to baseline levels within an hour post-exercise, hinting at potential migration of cancer-destroying cells towards tumor sites, as seen in preclinical studies.
“Incorporating exercise into cancer care is beneficial,” concluded Dr. Koivula, stressing the study’s support for integrating physical activity into treatment regimens for breast cancer patients.
The study, titled “The effect of exercise and disease status on mobilization of anti-tumorigenic and protumorigenic immune cells in women with breast cancer,” marks a significant stride towards understanding how exercise influences immune responses crucial in cancer therapy.
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