A new clinical trial with colon cancer patients shows that structured physical exercise improves disease-free and overall survival in patients with colon cancer after chemotherapy. This is the main conclusion of the CHALLENGE clinical trial, published on June 1, 2025, in The New England Journal of Medicine.
What are the benefits of exercise after chemotherapy for colon cancer?
The data indicate that a regular, supervised exercise program:
- Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence.
- Increases survival.
- Improves physical and emotional quality of life.
- Can be a safe and effective tool in cancer recovery.
Study results: structured exercise after cancer treatment
The CHALLENGE clinical trial is the first to demonstrate with level 1 evidence that structured exercise has a direct impact on the progression of colon cancer.
- Participants: 889 patients with resected colon cancer who completed adjuvant chemotherapy.
- Program duration: 3 years.
- Comparison:
- Structured exercise group.
- Health education group (control).
Key results
- Disease-free survival at 5 years:
- 80.3% (exercise group).
- 73.9% (control group).
- Overall survival at 8 years:
- 90.3% (exercise group).
- 83.2% (control group).
- Reduction in risk of death:
- 37% lower in the exercise group (HR: 0.63).
- Better long-term cancer control rates.
Although some mild musculoskeletal effects were reported in the exercise group (18.5% vs. 11.5%), the overall benefit far outweighed the risks.
What type of exercise is recommended after colon cancer?
The study used a structured, progressive exercise program tailored to each patient’s physical condition. The keys:
- Regular, moderate-intensity physical activity.
- Professional supervision.
- Combination of aerobic and strength training.
- Adapted to the patient’s oncological and clinical conditions.
IVOQA’s approach to exercise and post-chemotherapy recovery
At the Viamed Institute of Advanced Surgical Oncology (IVOQA), we work with a care model that integrates oncological exercise as part of active treatment.
We offer:
- Individual functional assessment.
- Physical rehabilitation after surgery or treatment.
- Personalized therapeutic exercise programs.
- Joint follow-up with oncology, surgery, nutrition, and psycho-oncology
Conclusion: exercise is key to cancer recovery
This study fills a key gap in oncology: until now, only preclinical and observational studies suggested the benefits of exercise. This trial provides causal evidence that reinforces the value of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention with real biological impact.
The CHALLENGE study confirms that supervised exercise after chemotherapy for colon cancer not only improves quality of life, but also increases survival and reduces the risk of relapse.
At IVOQA, we are committed to precision and comprehensive oncology, where movement is also medicine.
Reference
Courneya, K.S., Vardy, J.L., O’Callaghan, C.J., Gill, S., Friedenreich, C.M., et al.
Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
The New England Journal of Medicine, June 1, 2025
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2502760
