Clinical Report: Impact of High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Immune Cell Dynamics

Overview

This study evaluated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on immune cell dynamics and cytokine levels in men with localized prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance. The study reports increases in NK-cell proportions and PBMC-mediated cytotoxicity, alongside reductions in specific cytokines following a 12-week HIIT program.

Background

Exercise is known to influence immune function and inflammatory signaling, which is relevant in cancer management. This study contributes to the evidence regarding the role of exercise in cancer care.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• HIIT significantly increased the circulating proportion of NK-cell subsets.
• PBMC-mediated cytotoxicity against K562 cells was enhanced in the HIIT group.
• Basophil counts were significantly lower in the HIIT group compared to usual care.
• Plasma levels of IL-4 and IL-12p70 were significantly reduced following HIIT.
• No significant differences were observed in T cell or B cell subsets or other inflammatory cytokines.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate changes in immune parameters in prostate cancer patients under active surveillance.

Conclusion

The study indicates that HIIT can influence immune cell dynamics and cytokine levels in men with localized prostate cancer.

Related Resources & Content

1. Effects of Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Biochemical Progression in Men With Localized Prostate Cancer Under Active Surveillance: The ERASE Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA Oncology, 2023 -- Effects of Exercise on Immune System Markers in Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Systematic Review
2. EAU–EANM–ESTRO–ESUR–ISUP–SIOG Guidelines on Prostate Cancer—2026 Update. Part I: Screening, Diagnosis, and Local Treatment with Curative Intent, ScienceDirect, 2026 -- Guideline backdrop for active surveillance in localized prostate cancer
3. Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline | Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2024 -- Exercise guidance and recent trial evidence relevant to immune and inflammatory endpoints
4. The ASCO Post — Active Surveillance in Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer Called Into Question
5. The ASCO Post — Active Surveillance in Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer Called Into Question
6. Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Challenges and Future Prospects
7. MDSpire News — Exercise Boosts Erectile Function in Prostate Cancer
8. Active Surveillance in Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer Called Into Question
9. EAU–EANM–ESTRO–ESUR–ISUP–SIOG Guidelines on Prostate Cancer—2026 Update. Part I: Screening, Diagnosis, and Local Treatment with Curative Intent - ScienceDirect
10. Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline | Journal of Clinical Oncology
11. Effects of Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Biochemical Progression in Men With Localized Prostate Cancer Under Active Surveillance: The ERASE Randomized Clinical Trial | Cardiology | JAMA Oncology | JAMA Network
12. Effects of high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic biomarkers in patients with prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance: a randomized controlled trial - PubMed
13. Frontiers | Changes in Circulating Immune Cells and Cytokines after High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise in Patients with Prostate Cancer undergoing Active Surveillance from the ERASE Randomized Controlled Trial
14. Effect of Exercise on Immune System Markers in Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Systematic Review - PMC
15. High-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training for localized prostate cancer under active surveillance: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
16. Effects of acute exercise training on tumor outcomes in men with localized prostate cancer: A randomized controlled trial - PMC