Effect of a Cross-Training and Resistance Exercise Routine on IL-15 in Adults with Type B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia during the Induction Phase: Randomized Pilot Study

Abstract

IL-15 is a proinflammatory myokine essential for activating NK cells and CD8+ T lymphocytes, and its overexpression has been related to reducing overall survivorship in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Physical exercise has been shown to be safe, feasible, and beneficial in hematological cancers. Exercise requires the activation of muscles that secrete cytokines, such as IL-15, causing immune mobilization. The objective was to compare the outcomes of two training routines on IL-15 and survival prognosis in adult patients diagnosed with ALL. A blind randomized clinical study was carried out where twenty-three peripheral blood samples were obtained pre and postexercise intervention from patients categorized into three types of intervention: the resistance exercise group (REG), the cross-training exercise group (CEG), and the control group (CG). Changes in IL-15 levels during the intervention were not significant in any of the groups (CG p = 0.237, REG p = 0.866, and CEG p = 0.678). However, 87.5% of patients who received an exercise intervention achieved remission, while only 21.73% experienced a relapse. There were no deaths during the study. Although IL-15 level adaptation in the REG and the CG performed similarly, the REG induced a better clinical outcome. Resistance exercises may help improve survival prognosis and reduce relapses in patients with ALL.