Effects of exercise interventions on sarcopenia-related outcomes in cancer patients and survivors: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
A partir d'une revue systématique de la littérature publiée entre 2010 et 2025 (14 études, 16 406 patients), cette méta-analyse évalue l'efficacité des interventions à base d'exercices physiques pour améliorer les symptômes associés à une sarcopénie (masse musculaire, force, fonctions physiques) chez les patients atteints d'un cancer
Purpose: This umbrella review systematically evaluate and synthesize current evidence for improving sarcopenia-related outcomes (muscle mass, strength, physical function) in cancer patients and survivors, to inform evidence-based exercise recommendations.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (Jan 2010-Dec 2025) for systematic reviews/meta-analyses of exercise interventions targeting sarcopenia-related outcomes in cancer patients and survivors. Two reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality via AMSTAR 2. High heterogeneity led to content analysis instead of quantitative synthesis.
Results: Fourteen eligible studies covering 16,406 cancer patients and survivors (breast, colorectal, liver cancer, etc.) were included. Content analysis revealed: 1) 4 studies indicated combined exercise (resistance + aerobic) provided the most comprehensive benefits (e.g., optimized body composition, reduced cancer-related fatigue); 2) 9 studies showed resistance training excelled in improving lean muscle mass and strength; 3) 1 study found aerobic exercise better enhanced functional capacity; 4) 1 study incorporating balance/flexibility training and home-based exercise reported improved muscular outcomes.
Conclusions: Combined exercise is first-line for improving sarcopenia-related outcomes in cancer patients and survivors. However, the small volume of published reviews focusing on this modality should be noted, as it may compromise the reliability of this conclusion; Resistance training is preferred for standalone muscle mass preservation; Aerobic exercise suits patients with poor physical status. Individualized protocols should align with cancer type, treatment phase, and tolerance. High-quality studies are needed to define optimal exercise dosage.
Journal of Cancer Survivorship , résumé, 2026