11 December 2025

New Research Suggests Diet and Exercise Could Reduce Chemo Side Effects

Lifestyle Support During Treatment

Cancer treatment - especially chemotherapy - often brings a range of debilitating side effects, from fatigue and pain to anxiety and depression. Early findings from the LIFE-L study, presented at the 2025 American Society of Haematology conference, suggest that integrating diet and exercise support delivered virtually can help patients better tolerate therapy and feel stronger during the course of their treatment.

What the Study Did

The research, led by a team at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centre, enrolled lymphoma patients undergoing standard chemotherapy and offered a virtual diet and fitness program to a portion of participants. The intervention included weekly online sessions with registered dietitians and exercise physiologists tailored to each patient’s needs while they continued their prescribed chemotherapy regimen.

Encouraging Early Results

Participants in the lifestyle program reported fewer negative symptoms compared with those who did not receive the intervention. They experienced lower rates of anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and constipation, and also showed greater physical strength and performance in simple fitness tests. Attendance was high, indicating patients were both willing and able to engage with the virtual coaching during treatment.

Why This Matters

Completing the full course of chemotherapy without interruption is critical for the best outcomes, but side effects often force dose reductions or delays. Improving patients’ overall well-being, strength, and symptom burden through diet and exercise could help more individuals stay on track with therapy and potentially improve long-term results. The LIFE-L study underscores a broader movement in oncology toward integrating lifestyle support directly into treatment care - not just before or after chemotherapy, but during it.