Exercise inhibits tumor growth and central carbon metabolism in patient-derived xenograft models of colorectal cancer

Background While self-reported exercise is associated with a reduction in the risk of recurrence in colorectal cancer, the molecular mechanisms underpinning this relationship are unknown. Furthermore, the effect of exercise on intratumoral metabolic processes has not been investigated in detail in human cancers. In our current study, we generated six colorectal patient patient-derived xenografts (CRC PDXs) models and treated each PDX to voluntary wheel running (exercise) for 6–8 weeks or no exposure to the wheel (control). A comprehensive metabolomics analysis was then performed on the PDXs to identify exercise induced changes in the tumor that were associated with slower growth.