Feasibility of a lifestyle intervention for ovarian cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of a lifestyle intervention for promoting physical activity (PA) and diet quality during adjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.MethodsPatients were enrolled post-operatively and received PA and nutrition counseling, at every chemotherapy visit for six cycles. Quality of life (QoL) was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G), PA with the Leisure Score Index (LSI), dietary intake with 3-day food records, and symptom severity/distress by the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Pedometer step count was collected during chemotherapy cycles.ResultsRecruitment was 73% with 27 patients enrolled. Mean [95% confidence interval] change in minutes of PA from cycle #3 to following cycle #6 was 61 min [− 3, 120] p = 0.063, and from baseline to after cycle #6 was 73 min [− 10, 15]; p = 0.082. Mean change in total fruit and vegetable consumption between baseline and during chemotherapy was 0.56 [− 0.09, 0.64]; p = 0.090. FACT-G increased from 75.4 at baseline to 77.6 during chemotherapy and 83.9 following chemotherapy (p = 0.001 for change from baseline to post-chemotherapy). Mean total MSAS score was 20.6 at baseline, 26.6 at cycle #3 and decreased to 17.0 following chemotherapy (p = 0.01 comparison of cycle #3 and following chemotherapy). Increased moderate to strenuous PA was correlated with higher physical well-being during chemotherapy (r = 0.48, p = 0.037).ConclusionsLifestyle counseling during adjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is feasible and may improve PA and diet quality. Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of lifestyle counseling on quality of life and treatment outcomes in ovarian cancer patients are warranted.

Research highlights
► Lifestyle and quality of life (QOL) have been shown to improve outcomes in cancer survivors.
► Most women with ovarian cancer do not engage in a healthy lifestyle.
► With instruction, ovarian cancer patients can improve physical activity, diet quality and aspects of QOL.