Acute and chronic exercise-conditioned serum effects on cancer cells in vitro: A systematic review
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Francesco Bettariga: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4977-5494
Dennis R. Taaffe: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6381-1597
Daniel Galvão: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8209-2281
Robert U. Newton: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0302-6129
Abstract
Exercise has emerged as a fundamental therapeutic medicine in the management of cancer and is associated with a lower risk of recurrence and increased survival. A growing body of evidence has emerged on the acute effects of a single bout of exercise as well as chronic effects in suppressing growth of different cancer cell lines. The purpose of this review was to systematically examine the acute effects of exercise-conditioned serum and determine the impact of chronic exercise-conditioned serum on cancer cells in vitro. A systematic search was undertaken in PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus (via EBSCOhost), and Web of Science from inception to July 2024. Eligible studies examining the effects of acute and chronic exercise training on cancer cells in vitro were included. Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria (n = 423). Acute exercise-conditioned serum has inhibitory effects on different cancer cell lines in vitro, when performed at moderate to high intensity, regardless of the training mode. For the chronic effects of exercise-conditioned serum the findings were mixed with some studies showing cancer-suppressive effects, while others reported no impact. Evidence suggests that acute exercise-conditioned serum can inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro, including breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers. However, chronic effects are inconsistent, with some studies showing cancer-suppressive effects on breast and prostate cancer cells, while others show no change. Limitations of the studies should be considered, and additional research is necessary to determine the role of exercise prescription specifics such as mode and volume/intensity.
Keywords
Cancer cells, exercise, exercise-conditioned serum, tumor growth
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
5-1-2026
Volume
35
Issue
3
PubMed ID
41889110
Publication Title
European Journal of Cancer Prevention
Publisher
Wolters Kluwer
School
Exercise Medicine Research Institute / School of Medical and Health Sciences
Copyright
subscription content
First Page
222
Last Page
234
Comments
Bettariga, F., Taaffe, D. R., Borsati, A., Avancini, A., Pilotto, S., Lazzarini, S. G., Galvão, D. A., & Newton, R. U. (2026). Acute and chronic exercise-conditioned serum effects on cancer cells in vitro: A systematic review. European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 35(3), 222–234. https://doi.org/10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000968