Effects Of Physical Training On Cardiovascular Capacity In Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy For Cancer

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that invade organs and tissues. It is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with high incidence and prevalence. Despite the progress in cancer treatment, it can generate a range of side effects and increase the risk of developing other diseases.

Cardio-oncology has become an area of great importance in research and presents a bidirectional relationship, as it links cardiovascular diseases to the risk of developing cancer and vice versa. It also focuses on the early diagnosis of CVD in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Cardio-oncology investigates and identifies factors that may cause cardiac damage, compromising the heart's structure and function, and relates these factors to the chemotherapy used.

One of the complications of chemotherapy is anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, which leads to increased expression of cellular senescence and adverse effects on the heart, including ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, myocardial fibrosis, and heart failure. These effects are dose-dependent and may be irreversible.

In this context, it is essential to adopt strategies that mitigate the impact of cardiotoxicity, improving prognosis and the quality of life of patients undergoing cancer treatment. Studies have shown that physical exercise has positive effects on quality of life, autonomic function, cardiopulmonary function, strength, and functional capacity during the phases of anticancer therapy.

Given this scenario, this study is justified by the emerging need for knowledge about the benefits of physical training on cardiovascular capacity, contributing to the elucidation of clinical practice, effective decision-making, and better management of this population.

• Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment with anthracyclines;
• No physical exercise intervention for the past 3 months;
• Patients in the early or intermediate stages of cancer treatment;
• Adult patients (e.g., 18 to 59 years old) to avoid extreme variations in response to physical exercise;
• Clinically stable patients, without absolute contraindications to physical exercise (e.g., decompensated heart failure, severe arrhythmias);
• Patients able to participate in a supervised physical exercise program during the study period
• Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with severe pre-existing cardiac conditions (e.g., advanced cardiomyopathy, unstable angina) that prevent safe exercise practice;
• Patients with physical (e.g., inability to walk) or cognitive limitations that prevent participation in the physical exercise program;
• Patients undergoing treatments that may interfere with the results (e.g., recent thoracic radiotherapy, use of cardiotoxic agents unrelated to the study);
• Patients who already engage in regular and intense physical exercise, as this could interfere with the effects of the intervention.