One Workout May Trigger Tumor-Suppressing Proteins in Cancer Survivors: Study Shows - Video

A new study published by Edith Cowan University (ECU) reveals that just one session of resistance or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help in the fight against cancer. The research, conducted by ECU PhD student Francesco Bettariga, shows that a single workout significantly boosts levels of myokines—muscle-produced proteins known for their anti-cancer properties—potentially reducing cancer cell proliferation by 20 to 30%.

The study focused on breast cancer survivors, measuring their myokine levels before, immediately after, and 30 minutes post-exercise. Both forms of training, resistance and HIIT, resulted in a marked increase in myokine production. Findings are published in breast cancer research and treatment.

While increased myokine levels after exercise are well-documented in healthy individuals, Bettariga sought to determine whether the same effect could be seen in breast cancer survivors—whose bodies may be compromised by cancer or its treatment. “The results from the study show that both types of exercise really work to produce these anti-cancer myokines in breast cancer survivors,” he said. “The results from this study are excellent motivators to add exercise as standard care in the treatment of cancer.”

Bettariga’s broader research also explored the role of body composition in inflammation, a key driver of breast cancer recurrence and progression. Persistent inflammation, often worsened by treatment side effects, promotes tumour growth and weakens the immune response. “Strategies are needed to reduce inflammation, which may provide a less supportive environment for cancer progression,” he noted.

The study found that reducing fat mass and increasing lean muscle through regular exercise significantly decreased inflammatory markers. However, Bettariga cautioned against relying solely on weight loss without physical activity. "You never want to reduce your weight without exercising, because you need to build or preserve muscle mass and produce these chemicals that you can't do through just diet alone."

Reference: Francesco Bettariga, Dennis R. Taaffe, Cristina Crespo-Garcia, Timothy D. Clay, Mauro De Santi, Giulia Baldelli, Sanjeev Adhikari, Elin S. Gray, Daniel A. Galvão, Robert U. Newton. A single bout of resistance or high-intensity interval training increases anti-cancer myokines and suppresses cancer cell growth in vitro in survivors of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2025; 213 (1): 171 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-025-07772-w