Cardio-Oncology Rehabilitation Benefits Cancer Survivors With High Risk of CVD

A cardio-oncology rehabilitation program can benefit cancer survivors with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. 

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in cancer survivors, making it crucial to develop strategies for mitigating cardiovascular risk. In this study, researchers sought to assess whether a center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) framework is superior to usual care encompassing community-based exercise training (CBET).

In the prospective, single-center CORE trial, 75 adults were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to 8 weeks of CBCR or CBET. Aerobic and resistance sessions were performed twice a week by patients in both cohorts. The powered primary end point was defined as change in peak oxygen consumption (V̇o₂) at 2 months. Secondary end points included handgrip maximal strength, functional performance, blood pressure (BP), body composition, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, plasma biomarker levels, physical activity (PA) levels, psychological distress, quality of life (QOL), and health literacy.

A Successful Intervention

According to the results, participants in the CBCR intervention arm achieved a greater average increase in peak V̇o₂ than those in the CBET arm. CBCR participants met the primary outcome measure and also showed a greater average reduction in systolic and diastolic BP and BMI and greater average improvements in PA levels and health literacy scores.

“The CORE trial showed that a cardio-oncology rehabilitation model among cancer survivors with high cardiovascular risk was associated with greater improvements in peak V̇o₂ compared with usual care encompassing an exercise intervention in a community setting. The CBCR also showed superior results in exercise adherence, cardiovascular risk factor control, QOL, and health literacy,” the researchers concluded.