30 minutes of exercise can increase tumor-destroying white blood cells in breast cancer patients

Women practicing spinning in a gym (Shutterstock)

A 30-minute exercise session can increase the proportion of tumor-destroying white blood cells in the bloodstream of breast cancer patients, according to a recent study by the University of Turku (Finland) published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology. These findings reinforce the movement promoted by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), “Exercise against cancer.” In fact, physical exercise can reduce the risk of cancer by up to 30% and the risk of specific mortality due to this cause by almost 20%.

White blood cells are the cells that make up our immune system. Although their function is to fight diseases and infections, not all of them destroy cancer cells. Some can even stimulate tumor growth. The most prominent cells in the fight against cancer are cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells (or NK cells), while those that contribute to its growth are regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

“The balance of different types of white blood cells determines whether the immune system acts to either destroy cancer or support it. If there are more cancer-destroying cells in the tumor area than cancer-promoting cells, the body is better able to fight it,” explains Tiia Koivula, PhD researcher at the University of Turku and lead author of the study.

Exercise-induced changes in cells (University of Turku)

The study involved 20 women who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and had not yet started cancer treatment. To carry out the experiment, the scientists asked them to pedal on a stationary bicycle for 30 minutes a day, at the resistance they felt most comfortable with. Blood samples were taken before, during, and after exercise to calculate the amount of different types of white blood cells.

The researchers observed that cytotoxic T cells and NK cells (the white blood cells that destroy cancer) increased significantly, while regulatory T cells that promote cancer and myeloid-derived suppressor cells did not vary.

“We found that during exercise, the number and proportion of cancer-killing cells in the bloodstream increases, while the proportion of cancer-promoting cells remains the same or decreases. However, it is not yet clear whether these observed changes in the bloodstream also lead to changes in the white blood cell count in the tumor area,” says Dr. Koivula.

Breast cancer. Source: Ministry of Health Argentina

Another interesting study by this team of Finnish scientists analyzed whether different types of breast cancer affected the response of the proportion of white blood cells to exercise. They found that the larger the tumor, the lower the proportion of natural killer cells. On the other hand, if the breast cancer was positive for the estrogen and/or progesterone receptor, the number of cytotoxic T cells increased less than in cancers that were negative for the hormone receptor.

“In our previous study, we found small hints that the type of breast cancer might affect the effects of exercise on white blood cells, so we wanted to investigate this further. However, the correlations we found were not very strong and therefore no definitive conclusions can be drawn from the results,” they conclude.

Spinning Your Way to Better Immunity: How Exercise Can Boost Your Body’s Fight Against Breast Cancer

In the realm of preventative healthcare and cancer research, a fascinating connection is emerging: exercise and its potential to strengthen the body’s natural defenses against cancer. Recent studies, particularly one conducted by the University of Turku in Finland, shed light on the powerful impact of exercise, specifically spinning, on the immune system of women battling breast cancer.

Spinning & Your Immune System: A Closer Look

The research delves into the intricate workings of our immune system, where white blood cells play a critical role in combatting disease and infection. These cells, however, aren’t all created equal. While some white blood cells – like cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells – are adept at destroying cancer cells, others, such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, can unfortunately fuel tumor growth.

The Finnish study highlights that a 30-minute session of spinning can significantly elevate the number of cancer-fighting white blood cells, particularly cytotoxic T cells and NK cells, circulating in the bloodstream. This increase in the proportion of these cells, along with a simultaneous decrease or stabilization of cancer-promoting cells, implies a strengthened immune response capable of effectively targeting and destroying cancerous cells.

Understanding the Research: Key Findings

The study, conducted on 20 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, involved a standardized spinning regimen. Participants were instructed to pedal on a stationary bike for 30 minutes daily, at a resistance level that felt comfortable for them. Blood samples were taken before, during, and after each session, enabling researchers to meticulously track changes in white blood cell populations.

The results were compelling:

• Increase in Cancer-Fighting Cells: Cytotoxic T cells and NK cells exhibited a notable increase in number and proportion in the bloodstream during and after the spinning sessions.
• Stable or Decreased Cancer-Promoting Cells: The proportion of regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells remained unchanged or even decreased, indicating a shift towards a more favorable immune balance.

While these findings suggest a positive and direct impact of spinning on the immune system, further research is needed to conclusively determine whether these changes in blood cell counts translate to similar improvements within the tumor microenvironment.

Exploring the Impact of Different Breast Cancer Types

The researchers also explored whether the type of breast cancer influences the immune response to exercise. They discovered that larger tumors tend to be associated with a lower proportion of NK cells. Furthermore, breast cancers positive for estrogen and/or progesterone receptors showed a less pronounced increase in cytotoxic T cells compared to those lacking hormone receptors.

While these findings hint at possible differences in responses based on breast cancer subtypes, the correlations were not strong enough to draw definitive conclusions. More research is required to understand the nuances of how specific breast cancer characteristics may interact with the effects of exercise on the immune system.

Spinning: A Valuable Tool for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

The study underscores the growing recognition that exercise, including spinning, can play a meaningful role in both cancer prevention and treatment. By strengthening the immune system and enhancing its ability to fight off cancerous cells, regular physical activity, particularly endurance exercises like spinning, may contribute to a more favorable prognosis for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.

If you’re considering incorporating spinning into your fitness routine, remember to always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual needs and health status. They can guide you towards safe and effective exercise programs tailored to your specific condition.