A monitored program combining diet, exercise, and behavioral support significantly improves quality of life and reduces fatigue for men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer, according to a study published on September 4 in The Lancet Oncology. The five-year research project, known as the STAMINA trial and funded by the National Institute for Health Research in the United Kingdom, monitored 700 men across 15 National Health Service facilities in England to evaluate structured lifestyle interventions during cancer care.
How the STAMINA Trial Evaluated Lifestyle Regimens in Cancer Care
Researchers randomly assigned 700 men with a median age of 71 to two separate groups between January 2022 and January 2023, with follow-up examinations running through June 2024. Participants in the intervention group received supervised aerobic and resistance exercise alongside dietary advice and behavioral support. Meanwhile, control participants received standard supplementary care. According to study findings, more than 80% of participants in the STAMINA group attended scheduled sessions over the 12-month trial, reporting superior cancer-specific outcomes and less fatigue compared to standard care recipients.
Expert Insights on Structured Exercise and Dietary Support During ADT
Androgen deprivation therapy lowers androgen levels to treat prostate cancer, but common side effects include fatigue, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, loss of bone density, and mood changes. Commenting on the study without having participated in it, American Cancer Society Department of Population Science senior principal scientist Ying Wang, PhD, pointed out that robust trial data focused specifically on men undergoing ADT holds exceptional worth given that historical investigations predominantly centered on individuals recovering from breast cancer.
S. Adam Ramin, MD, a urologist, urologic oncologist, and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles, who also was not involved in the study, explained that lifestyle modifications yield significant benefits during treatment. According to Ramin, diets emphasizing leafy greens, legumes, and healthy fats support prostate health, while regular exercise releases endorphins that help the body cope with mental stress and physical pain.
Did You Know? Projections from the American Cancer Society (ACS) indicate that the United States will witness upward of 330,000 fresh prostate cancer diagnoses throughout 2026, with annual case frequencies climbing roughly 3% primarily as a consequence of broader screening initiatives.
Expanding Cancer Activity Programs Across Medical Facilities
Building on the success of the STAMINA trial, Nuffield Health participated in the research and launched a new cancer activity program to make a version of the regimen available for men with prostate cancer. The organization plans to expand the initiative to breast and bowel cancer across 50,000 medical facilities by 2030. Study authors wrote that the STAMINA lifestyle intervention meets best practice guidelines and can be implemented directly within NHS trusts in England to mitigate the adverse effects associated with ADT. However, researchers noted that the 12-month study evaluated quality of life and fatigue rather than long-term cancer survival outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the STAMINA program?
The STAMINA program is a supervised lifestyle regimen consisting of aerobic and resistance exercise, dietary advice, and behavioral support designed to help men manage side effects during prostate cancer treatment.
What are the common side effects of androgen deprivation therapy?
ADT side effects include fatigue, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, bone density loss, and mood changes.
Does exercise improve long-term prostate cancer survival?
While structured exercise improves quality of life and reduces fatigue over a 12-month period, current study data does not establish whether these benefits directly translate into longer survival rates.
What exercise guidelines does the American Cancer Society recommend for prostate cancer survivors?
The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, such as brisk walking, combined with resistance training and a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
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