Physical Activity, Insulin Resistance and Cancer: A Systematic Review
Metadata
Show full item recordEditorial
MDPI
Materia
Insulin resistance Exercise Cancer
Date
2024-02-03Referencia bibliográfica
Navarro-Ledesma, S.; Hamed-Hamed, D.; González-Muñoz, A.; Pruimboom, L. Physical Activity, Insulin Resistance and Cancer: A Systematic Review. Cancers 2024, 16, 656. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030656
Sponsorship
University Chair in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology (University of Granada and PNI Europe)Abstract
Introduction: Insulin resistance (IR), a key aspect of type 2 diabetes and a defining characteristic
of obesity and its associated conditions, emerges as a mechanistic pathway potentially implicated
in cancer pathophysiology. This presents an appealing intervention target for cancer patients. The
objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review, examining the scientific evidence regarding
the impact of physical activity on modifying insulin resistance in individuals with cancer. Methods:
The selection criteria were specific: only randomized controlled clinical trials published in the last
13 years and written in English or Spanish were included. The databases utilized for the search
included PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and WEB OF SCIENCE. The protocol for this
review was duly registered in the International Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023435002).
The final search was conducted on 14 May 2023. Results: The outcomes were assessed using the tool
proposed by the Cochrane Handbook to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. Among
the 12 studies incorporated, 8 demonstrated a low risk of bias, two had an unclear risk of bias,
and the remaining two showed a high risk of bias. The variety of exercise types used across all
studies was extensive, making definitive conclusions challenging. Physical activity was linked to
enhanced insulin sensitivity in seven studies, while five studies showed no significant changes in
insulin resistance between the intervention and control groups. Importantly, none of the interventions
employed in the included studies exhibited adverse effects on the study participants. Conclusions:
The role of exercise as a medicine against insulin resistance has been evidenced in many different
studies, mostly related to obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Engaging in physical activity could be
a healthy option to combat the effects of insulin resistance in cancer patients, although evidence is
weak and limited, according to the results of our systemic review. We further found that literature is
lacking at the level of optimal doses, timing, and type of exercise. More studies are needed with more
defined PA programs in type and length.