Relationships between T-lymphocytes and physical function in adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Results from the HEALTH4CLL pilot study

Abstract

Objective: Examine physical function and T-cell phenotype in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) before and after a physical activity (PA) intervention. Methods: Physical function measures and blood samples were collected from CLL patients (Rai stage 0–4, 50% receiving targeted therapy, N = 24) enrolled in a 16-week intervention of at-home aerobic and/or resistance exercise. Flow cytometry characterized T-cells in cryopreserved peripheral blood cells. Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared physical function and T-cell phenotype at baseline and 16-weeks; Kendall's Tau assessed associations between variables. Results: Godin leisure-time PA score increased from baseline to 16-weeks (mean difference: 14.61, p