[LUM#11] Understanding the Human Body to Fight Cancer
A physical activity program, a tailored diet, psychological support, meditation… A simple formula that nevertheless promises a revolution in cancer care. Over the past twenty years of research into what are known as non-pharmacological interventions,the Montpellier Cancer Research Institute (IRCM) has established itself as a leader in the field.
“We’re entering an incredible era, ” says Gregory Ninot, a professor at the University of Montpellier and a researcher at the Epsylon laboratory. “It’s a true revolution in oncology.” Enthusiasm is running high following the Health Minister’s announcement confirming reimbursement for supportive care for people who have been treated for cancer.
Supportive care refers to a range of physical, dietary, educational, and psychological approaches that provide the framework for personalized, science-based care for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Complementary therapy
These non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are not alternative medicines or occupational activities. They address specific symptoms associated with the disease and the side effects of treatments, such as fatigue, stress, or nausea. Based on a precise set of guidelines tailored to each patient, these treatments constitute “a truly targeted and personalized complementary therapy that supports and enhances the effectiveness of cancer treatments,” the researcher emphasizes.
The research conducted by Gregory Ninot and his team has gained significant momentum following the award of the prestigious Integrated Cancer Research Site (SIRIC) designation. Research funding has been secured to conduct the first clinical trials on INMs. “This synergy between the hospital and the university has made us pioneers and allowed us to move beyond the purely mechanistic lens of cancer research,” notes the researcher. “Today we understand that our mission is to focus on the human aspect and to put human-centered methods back at the heart of cancer care, such as NMIs.”
Full-fledged cancer care?
Clinical trials have clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in limiting resistance to cancer treatments, for example. They have also confirmed the positive psychological impact of an approach that empowers patients to take an active role in their own recovery. Better yet, physical activity programs of sufficient intensity may reduce the risk of recurrence for certain cancers. A study conducted on a cohort of patients following treatment for colon cancer revealed that such programs reduce the risk of recurrence by 38%. “If clinical trials confirm the results of these observational studies, then non-pharmacological interventions will become full-fledged cancer treatments to be routinely prescribed for certain patients,” explains Gregory Ninot.
These treatments are noninvasive for patients and less expensive, so there is every reason for them to be covered by Social Security. This should be implemented in 2020. Today, research continues in order to “organize all these non-invasive medical technologies so that, in the future, every patient will have access to tailored solutions and appropriate support, ” the researcher concludes.
Physical Activity: A Guide
Long considered merely supplementary, physical activity is now recognized as a therapeutic approach in its own right during and after cancer treatment—and one that has proven effective. A study published in 2016, which analyzed cohorts of 35,622 patients, concluded that sufficiently intense and regular physical activity (3 hours per week) is associated with a 38% reduction in cancer-related mortality for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.
And while it’s never too late to start doing the right thing, an adapted physical activity program should still be offered to the patient as soon as possible. “Not after treatment, as was the case 10 years ago, but as soon as the diagnosis is announced!” recommends Grégory Ninot. “The natural instinct when you’re sick is to rest, which makes sense when you have the flu. But with cancer, it becomes counterproductive. The more you rest, the weaker you become, and the more tired you get. Specialists refer to this as the ‘vicious cycle of deconditioning.’” An inactive patient will indeed lose muscle mass, making them less able to tolerate treatments. “It’s counterintuitive, but physical activity will help combat fatigue.”
"The more you rest, the more tired you get."
The question remains: what kind of exercise, and how much? “We recommend at least 2 hours of endurance training and 1 hour of strength training per week,” says Grégory Ninot.
Adapted physical activity programs could even help slow the progression of certain cancers and prevent recurrence. “The basic idea is to slow the progression of the tumor and help prevent recurrence by specifically stimulating the patient’s immune, metabolic, inflammatory, and neuropsychological functions through personalized physical activity, ” the specialist explains.
While studies are currently underway to validate these hopes, it has already been proven that sufficient and appropriately tailored physical activity can improve patients’ quality of life and overall well-being, reduce the side effects of treatments, and enhance certain beneficial effects. “That’s already a significant achievement, and it’s encouraging specialized oncology centers to incorporate professionals in adapted physical activity into their care teams.”
Eat Better to Reduce Cancer Risk
How can you eat better to reduce your risk of cancer? “You should follow the scientifically validated recommendations of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF),” says Grégory Ninot. In practice:
- Limit your consumption of red meat and processed meats. “Eat red meat no more than 4 times a week, and limit ham to one slice per week.”
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. “You should eat more than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day—raw, cooked, or in compote, ” says Grégory Ninot.
- Limit your consumption of fast food, mass-produced meals, and processed foods high in fat, starch, or sugar to “no more than once a week.”
- Women should drink fewer than 7 drinks of alcohol and men fewer than 14; no added salt; less sugar; “in particular, sugary drinks should be avoided.”
“These recommendations should also be followed after cancer treatment,” explains Grégory Ninot. “A patient who is too thin or has too much abdominal fat may not respond as well to treatment, ” says the researcher, who advises adjusting one’s diet to maintain a body mass index (BMI = weight / height squared) between 18.5 and 25.
Are there any dietary supplements to take when dealing with cancer? Any specific diets to follow? Should one try intermittent fasting? “At this time, the WCRF has not identified any solid scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness,” replies Grégory Ninot. “Dietary supplements may even interact with certain chemotherapy treatments and reduce their effectiveness, so it’s best to avoid them.”
Taking an Active Role in Your Recovery
“A cancer diagnosis comes as a shock and can lead to difficult family, work, or social situations. Social isolation, job loss, or the departure of a partner—in all these cases, the consequences hinder the healing process and resilience,” reports Gregory Ninot. Many symptoms, such as stress, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, lack of motivation, and smoking, are psychologically rooted and can be addressed through targeted NMTs.
To help patients, supportive care departments like the one at the ICM bring in psychologists, hypnotherapists, therapeutic education specialists, serious game specialists, social workers, and socio-aestheticians. Psychologists, for example, offer meditation sessions. “We’re seeing compelling results with MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) -style mindfulness meditation. People focus their attention on solving the problem, and there’s greater adherence to treatment.” This psychotherapeutic intervention allows participants to view their illness differently, by listening to themselves more and better.
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