A single 45-minute workout could flood the bloodstream with cancer-busting proteins, according to new research on breast cancer survivors. Scientists found that just one session of either resistance training or high-intensity interval training boosted levels of powerful blood proteins.
These proteins, called myokines, were able to slow breast cancer cell growth by up to 30 percent in laboratory experiments.
How the Study Was Conducted
The experiment involved 32 breast cancer survivors who completed a supervised 45-minute workout session under controlled laboratory conditions.
Half performed resistance training, including chest presses, seated rows, shoulder presses, lat pulldowns, leg presses, extensions, curls, and lunges. The other half completed high-intensity interval training on stationary bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, and cross-trainers in structured bursts.
Blood samples were collected before exercise, immediately afterward, and again 30 minutes later to measure myokine activity.
Skeletal muscles release myokines during exercise to regulate growth, energy use, and inflammation, but their role extends beyond fitness benefits. Research has shown these proteins can suppress tumor development in several cancers, although effects in survivors remained largely unexplored until now.
The study focused on three key myokines: decorin, IL-6, and SPARC — all of which spiked after the exercise sessions.
Surprising Results for Difficult-to-Treat Cancer Cells
One striking finding involved triple-negative breast cancer cells, which lack hormone receptors and usually resist hormone-based therapies.
Even these aggressive cancer cells were affected by the exercise-boosted myokines, showing slower growth after laboratory exposure to the proteins. This suggests exercise may offer protective biological effects regardless of hormone receptor status in certain breast cancer types.
Why These Findings Matter for Cancer Survivors
Lead author Francesco Bettariga from Edith Cowan University says the results highlight the potential of exercise as part of cancer care.
“The results from this study are excellent motivators to add exercise as standard care in the treatment of cancer,” he explains. While this was a short-term study, the immediate anti-cancer activity of myokines is a promising step toward integrated treatment strategies.
Resistance Training and HIIT Both Deliver Benefits
Both resistance training and high-intensity interval training triggered similar boosts in myokines, showing multiple exercise options could be effective. This flexibility is important for cancer survivors, as physical ability and treatment side effects can vary greatly between individuals.
Incorporating either training style into a weekly routine could provide biological support alongside conventional cancer treatments.
The Need for Long-Term Research
The researchers caution that more studies are needed to determine whether repeated myokine surges influence cancer recurrence over time.
Understanding how long these proteins remain active and whether they can help prevent relapse is now a key research priority. Nevertheless, the current findings strengthen the case for prescribing structured exercise programs during and after cancer treatment.
Key Takeaway
Even a single workout session can spark measurable anti-cancer effects in breast cancer survivors, regardless of tumor hormone sensitivity. Regular resistance training or high-intensity interval sessions may help create a less favorable environment for cancer cell growth.
Future research will clarify how these short-term changes translate into long-term protection and improved survival rates.
