Integrative Exercise & Nutrition for Leukemia Survivors: A New Review

Stephanie Otto, Exercise Oncologist and Senior Scientist at University Hospital Ulm, shared a post on LinkedIn about a paper by Shoudu Yuan et al. published in Cancer Cell International: “Integrative exercise and nutrition strategies in leukemia survivorship: implications for cognitive function and quality of life This review article, published on January 4, 2026, in Cancer Cell International, examines integrative non-pharmacological approaches to managing long-term effects in leukemia survivors. It specifically focuses on the synergy between physical exercise and targeted nutritional strategies to enhance cognitive function and overall quality of life.​ Core Challenges in Survivorship The period following leukemia treatment is often characterized by persistent clinical and functional hurdles.​ Persistent Fatigue: Chronic exhaustion that lasts well beyond the acute phase of treatment.​ Metabolic Disorders: Imbalances that increase the risk of secondary health complications. Cognitive Impairment: Mental performance deficits, often related to previous chemotherapy or radiation. Exercise and Training Strategies: Various training modalities have demonstrated consistent positive effects on the physical and psychological state of survivors. Training Formats: Research highlights the benefits of aerobic and resistance training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and mHealth-based programs. Physical Outcomes: Significant improvements were noted in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and the reduction of fatigue. Molecular Mechanisms: Exercise modulates inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, thereby reducing systemic inflammation. Nutrition and Quality of Life Nutritional interventions complement exercise through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.​ Functional Foods: Diets rich in polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and microbiome-supportive nutrients help restore immunological balance.​ Cognitive Synergy: Combining specific nutrients with exercise aims to promote neuroprotection and alleviate symptoms of ‘chemobrain’.​ Holistic Impact: These integrative strategies improve physical stability while also enhancing emotional well-being by reducing anxiety and depression.​ Research Outlook and Limitations Despite promising findings, the review emphasizes the need for more rigorous future research to solidify these clinical guidelines.​” Judith Lacey, Head of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Australia, shared this post, adding: “Addressing the survivorship care needs of those with blood cancers using an integrative oncology approach. Exercise, diet, Microbiome, selected supplements. Holistic approach. ‘By bridging molecular mechanisms with practical applications, integrative lifestyle interventions have the potential to transform survivorship care in leukemia, promoting physical and psychosocial resilience while reducing treatment-related burden and enhancing long-term outcomes.’ ” Title: Integrative exercise and nutrition strategies in leukemia survivorship: implications for cognitive function and quality of life Authors: Shoudu Yuan, Qi Ye, Ran Qin, Sogand Rajabi You can read the Full Article in Cancer Cell International.