Resistance Training Can Reduce Fatigue, Pain in Multiple Myeloma Patients, Roswell Park Team Shows

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Researchers from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center will present compelling findings showcasing significant benefits of resistance training for patients with multiple myeloma, in a talk at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. The study, led by Jens Hillengass, MD, PhD, and Janine Joseph, MS, MBA, presents new evidence documenting that targeted exercise regimens can alleviate fatigue, improve sleep and reduce pain, offering new hope for enhancing quality of life in cancer care. 

The team’s six-month study evaluated 80 patients across three exercise groups: in-person supervised resistance training, virtual supervised resistance training, and unsupervised home-based walking. The most notable improvements were seen in fatigue, pain and sleep in the resistance training groups, particularly among those who participated in person. However, maintaining these benefits beyond the intervention remains a challenge, underscoring the need for strategies that promote sustainable lifestyle changes. 

“Our findings illustrate that resistance training provides relief from symptoms like fatigue and pain, even for patients with bone disease,” says Dr. Hillengass, Chief of Myeloma/Amyloidosis at Roswell Park and senior author on the new study. “Our work challenges the misconception that physical activity is too risky for people with multiple myeloma, and we hope that these findings will pave the way for more holistic approaches to cancer care.” 

This latest research builds on earlier work by Dr. Hillengass’ team, who demonstrated that physical activity in multiple myeloma patients is not only safe, but also can improve immune health and physical function. The findings provide robust evidence of benefits gained by integrating personalized, supervised exercise regimens into cancer care, while emphasizing the need for ongoing research to sustain long-term improvements in patients’ quality of life. 

“Physical activity can support patient empowerment in important ways. Through supervised programs, we’ve seen measurable improvements that help patients achieve greater control of their health and well-being,” adds Joseph, a researcher with Roswell Park’s Department of Cancer Prevention & Control who will present the findings in an oral abstract presentation.  This research was made possible thanks to the dedication of patients, clinic staff, and support from the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. 

Presentation details 

• On Sunday, Dec. 8, at 5 p.m., Janine Joseph, MS, MBA, will present abstract 705, Six-Month Resistance Training Interventions Are Associated with Improvements in Fatigue and Pain in Multiple Myeloma Patients, in San Diego Ballroom AB (Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina). Jens Hillengass, MD, PhD, is senior author. 

For more information about Roswell Park presenting doctors and ASH conference activities, please visit https://www.roswellpark.org/ASH. To arrange interviews with the Roswell Park team, contact Julia Telford at [email protected].  

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From the world’s first chemotherapy research to the PSA prostate cancer biomarker, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center generates innovations that shape how cancer is detected, treated and prevented worldwide. Driven to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity, the Roswell Park team of 4,000 makes compassionate, patient-centered cancer care and services accessible across New York State and beyond. Founded in 1898, Roswell Park was among the first three cancer centers nationwide to become a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and is the only one to hold this designation in Upstate New York. To learn more about Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Roswell Park Care Network, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or email [email protected].