The Use of Exercise to Increase CD4 (+) T Lymphocytes Following Chemotherapy Treatment for Breast Cancer
Abstract
Breast cancer is estimated to affect one in eight women in her lifetime. Treatment usually includes chemotherapy which can lead to several serious physical, emotional, and functional side effects. Along with the tumor cells, the normal, continually renewing cells of the lymphatic/immune hematopoietic system are targets for the cytotoxic drugs. One population of lymphocytes, CD4+T cells (T helper cells), major regulators of the immune system, are particularly susceptible to chemotherapy-induced depletion. CD4+T cells levels in the blood frequently fall to those seen in AIDS patients (Kilmas et al., 1991) and remain low for many months to several years after chemotherapy ceases (Greenberg & Riddell, 1999; Hakim et al., 1997). An increase in CD4+ T cells has been measured in normal, healthy females after 3 months of resistance exercise training. In addition, studies have suggested a link between continued exercise participation and improved immune parameters in AIDS patients. Increases in CD4+T cells in HIV seropositive individuals following exercise training have been reported (Lapierrere et al, 1997). No further decline or a slight increase (MacArthur, et al, 1993) was noted in those with CD4+ counts of approximately 200 cells/mm3. However, in cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy treatment and have CD4+ counts similar to those in AIDS patients, there are no studies relating exercise and immune parameters. In the human studies the relationship between physical activity and the risk for developing cancer have been examined. The few exercise interventions documented in the literature have focused on outcomes such as fatigue (Dimeo, et al., 1997), physical function (Dimeo, et al, 1998; Mock, et al., 1997; Segar, et al., 1998) or quality of life (Courneys & Friedenreich, 1999).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA409683
Entities
People
- Andrea M. Mastro
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University