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Exercise and Lenvatinib

Newboots
  • 3 replies
  • 45 subscribers
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Hi ,

I had a hysterectomy in August 2022 for endometrial cancer. As there was cancer in a lymph node had 6 chemotherapy sessions followed by radiotherapy for 5 weeks. Unfortunately the radiotherapy caused me to have pelvic fractures . I had scans to check they were healing ok and the scans found recurrent cancer next to my spine and in a lymph node on my neck. Started immunotherapy in January 2025 . Have Lenvatinib daily and Pembrolizumab every 6 weeks.Reduced dose of Lenvatinib to 14 mg daily due to side effects. Last scan showed the lymph node showed no sign and the tumour in my back was significantly reduced. So it’s working!

I am having difficulty with joint and muscle pain as well as fatigue. I’ve been going to a Fit for Life class twice a week as well as swimming as research shows that exercise is helpful. I’ve always done weights too and have carried on with that. I did wonder if it was causing me more pain as I understand that as you use weights you induce muscle tears. It seems that the Lenvatinib goes for inflamed areas.

Ive been trying to find research on this issue but have found nothing but patient advice from a hospital in the USA which suggests not doing weights. 
Can you recommend any research being done on this ?

Thanks

  • Hi Newboots,

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to hear you are having ongoing symptoms of joint and muscle pain as well as fatigue.

    We would strongly encourage you to report these symptoms to your healthcare team if you have not done so already. That way we can rule in or out if this is in connection with your Lenvatinib or Pembrolizumab treatment.

    We just need to err on the side of caution and make sure nothing else is causing these symptoms.

    It sounds like you have a very positive attitude towards exercise which is great. However, it may be an idea to consider less vigorous exercise and maybe explore other options like complimentary therapy or mind and body exercise such as tai chi.

    Some Epidemiology studies have shown some good results to this approach.

    We have some good information on our wellbeing hub which you may find useful going forward.

    Research has widely shown that symptoms like muscle and joint pain, fatigue and  inflammation are recognised side effects of Lenvatinib.

    Discussing your symptoms directly with your team will hopefully help address and manage these unwanted symptoms.

    If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.

    Best wishes

    David,

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref/**

    DT / VG

  • in reply to David T - Macmillan

    Thanks for your reply.My oncology team are aware of the joint and muscle pain and it aligns with the known side effects.Their advice is to use painkillers.

    i have reduced the size of the weights now and it does seem to help. Instead of 2-3k I’m using 1-2 k . I’ll see how it goes. The actual exercises in the Fitness class are designed to be done at any level. They came out of a really good Joint Pain Recovery programme run by Nuffield Health and were really helpful in getting me moving after the pelvic fractures.

     I understand Nuffield are now rolling out a free programme for Cancer Patients. I’ll tap into that and see if they have info regarding Lenvatinib and weight training.

  • in reply to Newboots

    Hi Newboots.

    My name is Joanne and I’m another one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist, on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I thought it might be useful to give you a link to the strength and stamina sessions which are run by Penny Brohn

    You can also use the Cancer Care Map to search for other options for exercise and recovery after cancer treatment.

    I wish you well in your ongoing recovery.

    Ref JH/KA

    Joanne H - Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

      

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