Klinische Sportmedizin

Abstract

It has been suggestedthat physical activity in breast cancer patients can improve not only quality of life, but also other parameters. Influences on physical and psychological levels have been evaluated, but effects on the immune system of breast cancer patients are hardly known. Generally an evaluated dose-response relationship for exercise in oncology barely exists. The effects of physical activity on the immune system can be formulated only with reservations, but an immunomodulatory effect is expected to occur. Increased immunological anti cancer activity due to physical activity is probably mediated via an increase in number and cytotoxicity of monocytes, natural killer cells and cytokines. A PubMed search identified relevant trials and meta analyses from 1970 to 2016. This reviewsummarizes the results of international studies and the current discussion of effects of physical activity on the immune system of breast cancer patients. Highlighted are effects of physical activity on the immune system. 13 original articles and 15 reviews are included in this review. Three original and 13 review articles include other tumor entities besides breast cancer.KEY WORDS: Breast Cancer, Immune System, Immune Response, Physical Activity, Physical Intervention