The Impact and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise in Cancer Therapy

Cancer is a major global health issue, and exercise has become a key supportive treatment. It contributes to reducing cancer risk, enhancing prognosis, and aiding recovery, especially for survivors. However, the exact mechanisms, such as how exercise reduces cancer risk or enhances treatment, are st...

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Main Authors: Yingjie Sun, Yixiao Ma, Lei Shi, Tong Liu, Yahong Dong, Qiguan Jin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Current Issues in Molecular Biology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/5/374
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author Yingjie Sun
Yixiao Ma
Lei Shi
Tong Liu
Yahong Dong
Qiguan Jin
author_facet Yingjie Sun
Yixiao Ma
Lei Shi
Tong Liu
Yahong Dong
Qiguan Jin
author_sort Yingjie Sun
collection DOAJ
description Cancer is a major global health issue, and exercise has become a key supportive treatment. It contributes to reducing cancer risk, enhancing prognosis, and aiding recovery, especially for survivors. However, the exact mechanisms, such as how exercise reduces cancer risk or enhances treatment, are still unclear. Current research often focuses on specific cancer types, ignoring the diverse needs of patients. This limits the development of personalized exercise plans. Additionally, there is insufficient comparison of exercise types—like aerobic, resistance, and high-intensity interval training—regarding their adverse effects and long-term benefits. The best combination of exercises and personalized strategies remains unknown. This review underscores the contribution of physical exercise to cancer prevention and treatment, emphasizing its positive effects on reducing fatigue, improving physical strength, and enhancing mental health. It also explores the molecular mechanisms of regulating tumor immunity and energy metabolism. Additionally, the article covers criteria for selecting exercise types and intensities, and the development of personalized exercise plans. Finally, it provides guidelines for exercise prescriptions and suggests future research directions to improve interventions for cancer patients.
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spelling doaj-art-c5324f1906e24ec88ea5ceac0171796e2025-08-20T03:14:42ZengMDPI AGCurrent Issues in Molecular Biology1467-30371467-30452025-05-0147537410.3390/cimb47050374The Impact and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise in Cancer TherapyYingjie Sun0Yixiao Ma1Lei Shi2Tong Liu3Yahong Dong4Qiguan Jin5College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, ChinaCollege of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, ChinaCollege of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, ChinaCollege of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, ChinaCollege of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, ChinaCollege of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, ChinaCancer is a major global health issue, and exercise has become a key supportive treatment. It contributes to reducing cancer risk, enhancing prognosis, and aiding recovery, especially for survivors. However, the exact mechanisms, such as how exercise reduces cancer risk or enhances treatment, are still unclear. Current research often focuses on specific cancer types, ignoring the diverse needs of patients. This limits the development of personalized exercise plans. Additionally, there is insufficient comparison of exercise types—like aerobic, resistance, and high-intensity interval training—regarding their adverse effects and long-term benefits. The best combination of exercises and personalized strategies remains unknown. This review underscores the contribution of physical exercise to cancer prevention and treatment, emphasizing its positive effects on reducing fatigue, improving physical strength, and enhancing mental health. It also explores the molecular mechanisms of regulating tumor immunity and energy metabolism. Additionally, the article covers criteria for selecting exercise types and intensities, and the development of personalized exercise plans. Finally, it provides guidelines for exercise prescriptions and suggests future research directions to improve interventions for cancer patients.https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/5/374exercisecancer patientsphysical activityexercise prescription
spellingShingle Yingjie Sun
Yixiao Ma
Lei Shi
Tong Liu
Yahong Dong
Qiguan Jin
The Impact and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise in Cancer Therapy
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
exercise
cancer patients
physical activity
exercise prescription
title The Impact and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise in Cancer Therapy
title_full The Impact and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise in Cancer Therapy
title_fullStr The Impact and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise in Cancer Therapy
title_full_unstemmed The Impact and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise in Cancer Therapy
title_short The Impact and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise in Cancer Therapy
title_sort impact and molecular mechanisms of exercise in cancer therapy
topic exercise
cancer patients
physical activity
exercise prescription
url https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/5/374
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