Impact of a cardio-oncology rehabilitation framework among high cardiovascular risk cancer survivors: results from the CORE trial

Type of funding sources: None.

Cancer survivors are challenging patients, as they often present increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. In this background, cardio-oncology rehabilitation frameworks for specific cancer patients have been proposed. However, optimal program designs, as well as their overall safety and efficacy in different subsets of patients, are not fully ascertained.

To assess the impact of a cardio-oncology rehabilitation based framework for cancer patients at increased CV risk, compared to a community-based exercise training (CBET), on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) control.

The CORE study was a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolling adult cancer survivors exposed to cardiotoxic cancer treatment (anthracycline, radiotherapy on thoracic wall, anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor-type 2 drugs) and/or with previous CV disease. Participants were randomized to an 8-week center-based CR program (CBCR) or CBET, twice a week. Primary endpoint was CRF (assessed by the VO2peak, derived from a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test, performed on a treadmill); secondary endpoints were physical activity [International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)], psychosocial parameters [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], blood pressure, body composition, lipid profile and health literacy [Newest Vital Sign (NVS) questionnaire].

80 patients were included (mean age 54.5±14,12, 61 women; 66% breast cancer, 27.5% lymphoma); 75 patients completed the intervention (CBCR N= 38; CBET N=37). There was a significant improvement in the CBCR compared to the CBET group in VO2peak (∆ +2.1±2.8 vs +0.8±2.5 mL.kg-1.min-1, p=0.033) and in the following outcomes: resting systolic blood pressure (p<0.0001); body mass index (p<0.0001), lean and fat body mass (p<0.0001), waist circumference (p<0.0001); total cholesterol (p =0.001), triglycerides (p =0.008) and LDL cholesterol (p =0.003); HADS Anxiety score (p =0.003) and Depression score (p =0.009), weekly physical activity levels (p<0.0001) and health literacy scores (p<0.0001). No major CV events were reported.

The CORE trial demonstrates superior results of a CBCR regarding CRF and CVRF control. Given the higher cardiovascular risk in several groups of cancer patients, our data provides novel insights into optimized preventive strategies in this complex patient population.