MPN-FIT: a randomized controlled pilot trial of supervised exercise in myeloproliferative neoplasms

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: p = 0.03 for LDH difference

• Effect Size: LDH reduction of 14.5 U/L in intervention group vs 4.0 U/L increase in controls

• Primary Outcome: Feasibility benchmarks met with 88% participant satisfaction and 92% intent to continue exercise

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not calculable from available data

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Home-based supervised exercise appears feasible with high completion and satisfaction rates Aligns with Australian exercise physiology services. Potential for Medicare rebates under chronic disease management plans. Supports RACGP guidelines for physical activity in chronic disease Adults with myeloproliferative neoplasms seeking symptom management and quality of life improvement

Abstract

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are associated with a high symptom burden and impaired quality of life (QoL), often unaided by available treatments. Physical activity has demonstrated benefits in other cancers; however, its potential has yet to be explored in MPN. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a supervised exercise program for patients with MPN based on longitudinal assessment of symptom burden, QoL, and clinical/inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], and serum cytokines). Patients with MPN (n = 55) were randomized 3:2 to a 12-week home-based exercise intervention (flexibility/resistance/aerobics) supervised by a kinesiologist vs waitlist control. Measures included patient-reported outcome questionnaires, peripheral blood sampling, and postintervention interviews with participants. Forty-seven patients completed the trial (FIT group, n = 26; control group, n = 21). Median age was 66 years (range, 27-86), and 60% were female. All feasibility benchmarks were met, with 88% of participants satisfied and 92% with intent to continue an exercise program on a regular basis. A significant reduction in LDH was observed in FIT patients compared with controls (-14.5 U/L vs +4.0 U/L; P = .03). Patients interviewed described positive effects of the intervention on symptoms and would unanimously recommend the program to others with MPN. In this pilot study, supervised exercise was feasible, acceptable, and showed potential benefits on inflammatory/disease markers.

References

1. 1.Ouellet, M., Rizzolo, A., Venne, C., Moussa, H., Bilodeau, K., Mollica, L., Chabot-Roy, G., Huynh-Trudeau, G., Lesage, S., Harnois, M., Busque, L., Sirhan, S., & Szuber, N. (2026). MPN-FIT: a randomized controlled pilot trial of supervised exercise in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Blood Advances. https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2025018682