Effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise training on tumor-specific immune and inflammatory response in NSCLC patients
Anatomy and Physiology
Immunology
Final Report Abstract
Physical activity is known to have wide-ranging health benefits, even in people living with cancer. Research shows that regular exercise can help reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, improve physical function, and enhance quality of life. The interplay between exercise and the immune system – the body's natural defense against infections and tumors – has only recently attracted research attention and is considerably understudied. A proof-of-concept study, titled the INHALE study, provides promising insights into exercise-induced immune modulation in 23 healthy individuals who completed a single bout of acute high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This study specifically investigated CD8+ T cells – a lymphocyte subset that plays a critical role in not only virus but also tumor defense. Acute HIIT led to a rapid increase in antigen-experienced CD8+ T cells in the bloodstream. These cells showed features that suggest they are capable of migrating to tissues and recognizing antigens, which may enhance immune surveillance. In the HI AIM study we translated this into a clinical study that investigates how repeated HIIT affects the immune system in people with advanced lung cancer. In this study, 54 patients were randomized in control and exercise group. The latter took part in a six-week HIIT program, with blood samples collected over time. These samples were used to monitor changes in immune cells and blood proteins that serve as important signals for the immune system. First data proved safety and feasibility of such a strenuous exercise regimen in the exercise group, showed physical and psychological improvements and less hospital admissions. Importantly, immune cell mobilization occurred robustly and in a cell type-specific manner along with substantial catecholamine peaks. These findings suggest that exercise – especially at high intensity – could boost immune surveillance. In cancer patients, this may create a more favorable immune environment for tumor-specific immune responses and thus enhance the efficacy of standard-of-care cancer treatments that rely on the immune response, such as immunotherapies.
Publications
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979 Characterization of T cell specificity and exercise-induced dynamics of soluble immunological markers before and after high-intensity aerobic exercise (INHALE). Regular and Young Investigator Award Abstracts, A1095-A1095. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
Leuchte, Katharina; Luu, Thy; Saló, Sara Fresnillo; Skadborg, Signe; Kemming, Janine; Vinther, Anders; Hadrup, Sine Reker; Straten, Per thor & Olofsson, Gitte Holmen
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Characterization of T cell specificity and exercise-induced dynamics of soluble immunological markers before and after high-intensity aerobic exercise (INHALE). Oral Presentations, A3-A3. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
Leuchte, K.; Luu, V.; Salo, S.; Vinther, A.; Thor Straten, P. & Olofsson, G.
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ISEI 2024, oral presentation: Dynamics of T cell specificity before and after highintensity aerobic exercise (INHALE study)
Leuchte K., Luu T.V., Fresnillo Salo S., Olsen L.R., Skadborg S.K., Kemming J.S., Vinther A., Hadrup S.R., thor Straten P. & Olofsson G.
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CIMT Annual Meeting 2025, oral and poster presentation: The exercise of mobilizing the immune system in lung cancer patients
Leuchte K., Luu T.V., Salo S.F., Persson G.F., Mikkelsen M.K., Heide Ottosen L., Olsen A.P., Pedersen C.M.S., Ragle A.M., Vinther A., Nielsen D.L., thor Straten P. & Holmen Olofsson G.
