Effects of exercise on Sexual function and Cardiovascular health in men with prostate cancer (ESCA) Study

Men with prostate cancer often experience significant and lasting disease- and treatment-related side effects. Approximately 75% of men who have, or who have previously had, prostate cancer will develop sexual dysfunction. In addition, they are at a 17% greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to untreated men. Exercise may be effective in preventing and improving both sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular health, however this has yet to be explored in men with prostate cancer undergoing watchful waiting, active surveillance, chemotherapies, radiation therapies, or immunotherapies.

Men with a current or previous diagnosis of prostate cancer will be randomised to complete 12 weeks of high-intensity aerobic and resistance training on three days of the week, or usual care. The primary outcome will be sexual function as assessed via the abridged version of the International Index of Erectile Function. All primary and secondary outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.

Funding body:  Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty of Medicine 2019 Research Collaboration Seeding Grant.

This is a collaborative study with A/Prof Eric Chung, Princes Alexandra Hospital.