An exercise intervention for prostate cancer

Post summary

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men carrying a 1 in 7 lifetime risk. High-risk men typically receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiotherapy. ADT greatly reduces testosterone production as prostate cancer is dependent on male hormones for growth. The side effects are extensive however and include unfavourable changes in body composition, reduced strength, increased fatigue and increased cardiovascular risk. Many of these can be influenced by exercise training. The objectives of the proposed study are therefore to:
1. Evaluate the influence of a 12-month combined resistance and aerobic exercise intervention on quality of life, cardiometabolic risk and physical function in higher risk prostate cancer patients
2. Evaluate the factors influencing the successful implementation of an exercise programme for prostate cancer with reference to the views of patients, clinicians and fitness professionals.

A PhD student is being sought to work alongside industry partners UPMC to recruit a cohort of men undergoing ADT therapy for prostate cancer for this study, to conduct the exercise intervention, to evaluate the findings and also produce a best practice guide for future interventions. This project is being conducted in the context of our MedEx@WIT exercise rehabilitation programme for individuals with chronic conditions, that operates out of the WIT Arena. The student is expected to spend some of their time in the nearby UPMC .

Standard duties and responsibilities of the scholarship

• Work alongside industry partners UPMC to recruit a cohort of men undergoing ADT therapy for prostate cancer
• Undertake pre- mid- and post-intervention assessments of quality of life, body composition, cardiovascular risk factors and functional fitness
• Devise and deliver appropriate supervised exercise classes and also oversee a home-based element to the exercise programme
• If necessary, establish a second site for the delivery of the exercise intervention
• Interact empathetically with the men around the structured classes and outside of classes in order to develop group cohesion
• Maintain links with other stakeholders that are linked to our MedEX@WIT exercise rehabilitation programme
• Spend a period of time in UPMC to be part of the team there and to more fully understand the patient journey through their clinics
• Present at local and national conferences