Seven-day intensive preoperative rehabilitation for elderly patients with lung cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Outcomes reported in randomised trials of surgical prehabilitation: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Heterogeneity of reported outcomes can impact the certainty of evidence for prehabilitation. The objective of this scoping review was to systematically map outcomes and assessment tools used in trials of surgical prehabilitation.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane were searched in February 2023. Randomised controlled trials of unimodal or multimodal prehabilitation interventions (nutrition, exercise, psychological support) lasting at least 7 days in adults undergoing elective surgery were included. Reported outcomes were classified according to the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research framework.

RESULTS

We included 76 trials, mostly focused on abdominal or orthopaedic surgeries. A total of 50 different outcomes were identified, measured using 184 outcome assessment tools. Observer-reported outcomes were collected in 86% of trials (n=65), with hospital length of stay being most common. Performance outcomes were reported in 80% of trials (n=61), most commonly as exercise capacity assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Clinician-reported outcomes were included in 78% (n=59) of trials and most frequently included postoperative complications with Clavien-Dindo classification. Patient-reported outcomes were reported in 76% (n=58) of trials, with health-related quality of life using the 36- or 12-Item Short Form Survey being most prevalent. Biomarker outcomes were reported in 16% of trials (n=12) most commonly using inflammatory markers assessed with C-reactive protein.

CONCLUSIONS

There is substantial heterogeneity in the reporting of outcomes and assessment tools across surgical prehabilitation trials. Identification of meaningful outcomes, and agreement on appropriate assessment tools, could inform the development of a prehabilitation core outcomes set to harmonise outcome reporting and facilitate meta-analyses.

What is the role of physical exercise in the era of cancer prehabilitation? A systematic review

PURPOSE

Exercise before surgery, as part of prehabilitation, aiming to enhance patients' functional and physiological capacity, has become widespread, necessitating an in-depth understanding.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on Pubmed, Cochrane, and Scopus to examine the effect of exercise as prehabilitation, alone or in combination with other interventions, in patients with cancer. Interventional studies applying a single-arm, randomized controlled, or nonrandomized design were included.

RESULTS

A total of 96 studies were included, and categorized according to cancer types, i.e., gynecological, breast, urological, gastrointestinal and lung cancer. For each cancer site, the effect of exercise, on physical fitness parameters and postoperative outcomes, including length of hospital stay and postoperative complications, was reported.

CONCLUSION

Exercise as prehabilitation may have an important role in improving physical fitness, postoperative outcomes, and accelerating recovery, especially in certain types of malignancies.

A review of patient recruitment in randomised controlled trials of preoperative exercise

BACKGROUND

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard design to determine the effectiveness of an intervention, as the only method of decreasing section bias and minimising random error. However, participant recruitment to randomised controlled trials is a major challenge, with many trials failing to recruit the targeted sample size accordingly to the planned protocol. Thus, the aim of this review is to detail the recruitment challenges of preoperative exercise clinical trials.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, AMED and PsycINFO from inception to July 2021. Randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of preoperative exercise on postoperative complication and/or length of hospital stay in adult cancer patients were included. Main outcomes included recruitment rate, retention rate, number of days needed to screen and recruit one patient and trial recruitment duration. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

A total of 27 trials were identified, including 3656 patients screened (N = 21) and 1414 randomised (median recruitment rate (interquartile range) = 53.6% (25.2%-67.6%), N = 21). The sample size of the included trials ranged from 19 to 270 (median = 48.0; interquartile range = 40.0-85.0) and the duration of trial recruitment ranged from 3 to 50 months (median = 19.0 months; interquartile range = 10.5-34.0). Overall, a median of 3.6 days was needed to screen one patient, whereas 13.7 days were needed to randomise one participant. Over the trials duration, the median dropout rate was 7.9%. Variations in recruitment outcomes were observed across trials of different cancer types but were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The recruitment of participants to preoperative exercise randomised controlled trials is challenging, but patient retention appears to be less of a problem. Future trials investigating the effectiveness of a preoperative exercise programme following cancer surgery should consider the time taken to recruit patients. Strategies associated with improved recruitment should be investigated in future studies.

Towards a common definition of surgical prehabilitation: a scoping review of randomised trials

BACKGROUND

There is no universally accepted definition for surgical prehabilitation. The objectives of this scoping review were to (1) identify how surgical prehabilitation is defined across randomised controlled trials and (2) propose a common definition.

METHODS

The final search was conducted in February 2023 using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of unimodal or multimodal prehabilitation interventions (nutrition, exercise, and psychological support) lasting at least 7 days in adults undergoing elective surgery. Qualitative data were analysed using summative content analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 76 prehabilitation trials of patients undergoing abdominal (n=26, 34%), orthopaedic (n=20, 26%), thoracic (n=14, 18%), cardiac (n=7, 9%), spinal (n=4, 5%), and other (n=5, 7%) surgeries. Surgical prehabilitation was explicitly defined in more than half of these RCTs (n=42, 55%). Our findings consolidated the following definition: 'Prehabilitation is a process from diagnosis to surgery, consisting of one or more preoperative interventions of exercise, nutrition, psychological strategies and respiratory training, that aims to enhance functional capacity and physiological reserve to allow patients to withstand surgical stressors, improve postoperative outcomes, and facilitate recovery.'

CONCLUSIONS

A common definition is the first step towards standardisation, which is needed to guide future high-quality research and advance the field of prehabilitation. The proposed definition should be further evaluated by international stakeholders to ensure that it is comprehensive and globally accepted.

Outcome Heterogeneity in Prehabilitation Trials-Are We Comparing Apples and Oranges?

INTRODUCTION

Over the last decade, the number of prehabilitation randomised controlled trials (RCTs) has increased significantly. Therefore, this review aimed to describe the outcomes reported in prehabilitation RCTs in patients undergoing cancer surgery.

METHODS

A search was conducted in Embase, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from inception to July 2021. We included RCTs evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative exercise, nutrition, and psychological interventions on postoperative complications and length of hospital stay in adult oncology patients who underwent thoracic and gastrointestinal cancer surgery. The verbatim outcomes reported in each article were extracted, and each outcome was assessed to determine whether it was defined and measured using a validated tool. Verbatim outcomes were grouped into standardized outcomes and categorized into domains. The quality of outcome reporting in each identified article was assessed using the Harman tool (score range 0-6, where 0 indicated the poorest quality).

RESULTS

A total of 74 RCTs were included, from which 601 verbatim outcomes were extracted. Only 110 (18.3%) of the verbatim outcomes were defined and 270 (44.9%) were labeled as either "primary" or "secondary" outcomes. Verbatim outcomes were categorized into 119 standardized outcomes and assigned into one of five domains (patient-reported outcomes, surgical outcomes, physical/functional outcomes, disease activity, and intervention delivery). Surgical outcomes were the most common outcomes reported (n = 71 trials, 95.9%). The overall quality of the reported outcomes was poor across trials (median score: 2.0 [IQR = 0.00-3.75]).

CONCLUSIONS

Prehabilitation RCTs display considerable heterogeneity in outcome reporting, and low outcome reporting quality. The development of standardized core outcome sets may help improve article quality and enhance the clinical utility of prehabilitation following cancer surgery.

Physical activity for cancer prehabilitation: A scoping review

This scoping review aims to synthesize the current landscape of physical activity in cancer prehabilitation and identify knowledge gaps. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and WEB OF SCIENCE for exercise interventions and observational studies that measured exercise or physical activity before cancer treatment from inception to January 20, 2023. Fifty-one articles from 44 unique studies were reviewed, including 32 intervention and 12 observational studies. Surgery is the only treatment modality that has been investigated. Included studies used heterogeneous exercise interventions and measures for physical activity. Colorectal and other gastrointestinal, lung, and urologic cancers are the most studied cancer types. Exercise intervention in cancer prehabilitation is highly feasible. The evidence for improved fitness, functional, psychosocial, and clinical outcomes is promising yet limited. Although research has increased recently, prehabilitation exercise remains a relatively under-investigated area in oncology. We have provided research directions towards an ideal cancer prehabilitation design in the real-world setting.

Comparative effects of different types of exercise on health-related quality of life during and after active cancer treatment: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The positive influence of most types of exercise has been reported repeatedly, but what the most effective exercise approaches are for improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with cancer remains unknown. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to synthesize the evidence from intervention studies to assess the effects of different types of exercise on HRQoL during and after cancer treatment.

METHODS

MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for randomized controlled trials aimed at testing the effects of exercise interventions meant to improve HRQoL in people with cancer. Separate analyses were conducted for HRQoL as measured by general and cancer-specific questionnaires. We also evaluated whether the effects of exercise were different during and after cancer treatment in both the physical and mental HRQoL domains.

RESULTS

In total, 93 studies involving 7435 people with cancer were included. Network effect size estimates comparing exercise intervention vs. usual care were significant for combined exercise (0.35, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.14-0.56) for HRQoL as measured by general questionnaires, and for combined (0.31, 95%CI: 0.13-0.48), mind-body exercise (0.54, 95%CI: 0.18-0.89), and walking (0.39, 95%CI: 0.04-0.74) for HRQoL as measured by cancer-specific questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

Exercise programs combining aerobic and resistance training can be recommended to improve HRQoL during and after cancer treatment. The scarcity and heterogeneity of these studies prevents us from making recommendations about other exercise modalities due to insufficient evidence.

The Use of Fissios App© as a Complement to a Face-to-Face Respiratory Physiotherapy Program versus an Attendance-Only Face-to-Face Physiotherapy Program in Patients Scheduled for Thoracic Surgical Procedures Reduces the Risk of Developing Postoperative Pulmonary Complications-A Quasi-Experimental Study

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) increase the hospital length of stay (LOS) and the cost of healthcare associated with surgical procedures. Strategies to reduce PPCs begin before surgery and continue in the postoperative period. Fissios App© is a smartphone application that contains perioperative medical advice and a structured respiratory physiotherapy program. The objective was to implement the use of this app in a group of patients scheduled for a thoracic surgical procedure and determine its efficacy in reducing PPCs. This was a quasi-experimental study in which all patients attended a face-to-face respiratory physiotherapy program, and the intervention group used Fissios App© as a complement. We prospectively recorded the postoperative evolution of both groups, analyzed the categorical differences and quantitative variables, and created a binary logistic regression model. We recruited 393 patients (131 intervention and 262 control). The intervention group had a lower incidence of PPCs (12.2% versus 24% in the control group, p = 0.006), a shorter LOS (a median of 3 days (IQR = 2-5) versus 4 days (IQR = 3-6, p = 0.001) in the control group), and a reduction in the risk of developing PPCs by 63.5% (OR: 0.365, 95% CI: 0.17-0.78). The use of Fissios App© improved the clinical outcomes after surgery and reduced the probability of developing PPCs.

Prehabilitation: a narrative review focused on exercise therapy for the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications following lung resection

Extensive preventive strategies in the perioperative period are popular worldwide. Novel "prehabilitation" approaches are being defined for every individual surgical discipline. With intention to reduce perioperative morbidity, "prehabilitation" was developed to increase "physical wellness" considering exercise capacity, nutritional status, and psychological support. Thus, prehabilitation could be well-suited for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. Theoretically, improving physical condition may increase the chances of having a better post-operative course, especially among frail patients. In this review, we describe the concept of prehabilitation with possible benefits, its role in the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols, and its potential for the future.

Effects of exercise prehabilitation and/or rehabilitation on health-related quality of life and fatigue in patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing surgery: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

This systematic review aimed to appraise the current available evidence regarding the effects of exercise prehabilitation and rehabilitation on perceived health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and fatigue in patients undergoing surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Studies were selected according to Cochrane guidelines and assessed for methodological quality and therapeutic quality (the international CONsensus on Therapeutic Exercise aNd Training (i-CONTENT)). Eligible studies included patients with NSCLC performing exercise prehabilitation and/or rehabilitation and postoperative HRQoL and fatigue up to 90-days postoperatively.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included. Exercise prehabilitation and rehabilitation significantly improved postoperative HRQoL in almost half of the studies (47%), although none of the studies demonstrated a decrease in fatigue. Methodological quality and therapeutic quality were poor in respectively 62% and 69% of the studies.

CONCLUSION

There was an inconsistent effect of exercise prehabilitation and exercise rehabilitation on improving HRQoL in patients with NSCLC undergoing surgery, with no effect on fatigue. Due to the low methodological and therapeutic quality of included studies, it was not possible to identify the most effective training program content to improve HRQoL and reduce fatigue. It is recommended to investigate the impact of a high therapeutic qualified exercise prehabilitation and exercise rehabilitation on HRQoL and fatigue in larger studies.

Reporting quality of randomized controlled trials in prehabilitation: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Inadequate study reporting precludes interpretation of findings, pooling of results in meta-analyses, and delays knowledge translation. While prehabilitation interventions aim to enhance candidacy for surgery, to our knowledge, a review of the quality of reporting in prehabilitation has yet to be conducted. Our objective was to determine the extent to which randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of prehabilitation are reported according to methodological and intervention reporting checklists.

METHODS

Eligibility criteria: RCTs of unimodal or multimodal prehabilitation interventions.

SOURCES OF EVIDENCE

search was conducted in March 2022 using MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane.

CHARTING METHODS

identified studies were compared to CONSORT, CERT & Modified CERT, TIDieR, PRESENT, and CONSORT-SPI. An agreement ratio (AR) was defined to evaluate if applicable guideline items were correctly reported. Data were analyzed as frequency (n, %) and mean with standard deviation (SD).

RESULTS

We identified 935 unique articles and included 70 trials published from 1994 to 2022. Most prehabilitation programs comprised exercise-only interventions (n = 40, 57%) and were applied before oncologic surgery (n = 32, 46%). The overall mean AR was 57% (SD: 20.9%). The specific mean ARs were as follows: CONSORT: 71% (SD: 16.3%); TIDieR: 62% (SD:17.7%); CERT: 54% (SD: 16.6%); Modified-CERT: 40% (SD:17.8%); PRESENT: 78% (SD: 8.9); and CONSORT-SPI: 47% (SD: 22.1).

CONCLUSION

Altogether, existing prehabilitation trials report approximately half of the checklist items recommended by methodological and intervention reporting guidelines. Reporting practices may improve with the development of a reporting checklist specific to prehabilitation interventions.

The effectiveness of postoperative rehabilitation interventions that include breathing exercises to prevent pulmonary atelectasis in lung cancer resection patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The main aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of postoperative rehabilitation interventions that include breathing exercises as a component to prevent atelectasis in lung cancer resection patients.

METHODS

In this review, we systematically and comprehensively searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science in English and CNKI and Wanfang in Chinese from 2012 to 2022. The review included any randomized controlled trials focusing on the effectiveness of postoperative rehabilitation interventions that include breathing exercises to prevent pulmonary atelectasis in lung cancer patients. Participants who underwent anatomic pulmonary resection and received postoperative rehabilitation interventions that included breathing exercises as a component were included in this review. The study quality and risks of bias were measured with the GRADE and Cochrane Collaboration tools, and statistical analysis was performed utilizing RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

The incidence of atelectasis was significantly lower in the postoperative rehabilitation intervention group (OR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.67; I2 = 0%; P = 0.67) than in the control group. The patients who underwent the postoperative rehabilitation program that included breathing exercises (intervention group) had higher forced vital capacity (FVC) scores (MD = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.41; I² = 73%; P = 0.02), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) scores (MD = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.60; I² = 98%; P < 0.01) and FEV1/FVC ratios (MD = 9.09; 95% CI, 1.50 to 16.67; I² = 94%; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative rehabilitation interventions that included breathing exercises decreased the incidence rate of atelectasis and improved lung function by increasing the FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio.

The effect of preoperative behaviour change interventions on pre- and post-surgery health behaviours, health outcomes, and health inequalities in adults: A systematic review and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Prehabilitation interventions are being delivered across surgical specialities to improve health risk behaviours leading to better surgical outcomes and potentially reduce length of hospital stay. Most previous research has focused on specific surgery specialities and has not considered the impact of interventions on health inequalities, nor whether prehabilitation improves health behaviour risk profiles beyond surgery. The aim of this review was to examine behavioural Prehabilitation interventions across surgeries to inform policy makers and commissioners of the best available evidence.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the effect of behavioural prehabilitation interventions targeting at least one of: smoking behaviour, alcohol use, physical activity, dietary intake (including weight loss interventions) on pre- and post-surgery health behaviours, health outcomes, and health inequalities. The comparator was usual care or no treatment. MEDLINE, PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Clinical trials and Embase databases were searched from inception to May 2021, and the MEDLINE search was updated twice, most recently in March 2023. Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Outcomes were length of stay, six-minute walk test, behaviours (smoking, diet, physical activity, weight change, and alcohol), and quality of life. Sixty-seven trials were included; 49 interventions targeted a single behaviour and 18 targeted multiple behaviours. No trials examined effects by equality measures. Length of stay in the intervention group was 1.5 days shorter than the comparator (n = 9 trials, 95% CI -2.6 to -0.4, p = 0.01, I2 83%), although in sensitivity analysis prehabilitation had the most impact in lung cancer patients (-3.5 days). Pre-surgery, there was a mean difference of 31.8 m in the six-minute walk test favouring the prehabilitation group (n = 19 trials, 95% CI 21.2 to 42.4m, I2 55%, P <0.001) and this was sustained to 4-weeks post-surgery (n = 9 trials, mean difference = 34.4m (95%CI 12.8 to 56.0, I2 72%, P = 0.002)). Smoking cessation was greater in the prehabilitation group before surgery (RR 2.9, 95% CI 1.7 to 4.8, I2 84%), and this was sustained at 12 months post-surgery (RR 1.74 (95% CI 1.20 to 2.55, I2 43%, Tau2 0.09, p = 0.004)There was no difference in pre-surgery quality of life (n = 12 trials) or BMI (n = 4 trials).

CONCLUSIONS

Behavioural prehabilitation interventions reduced length of stay by 1.5 days, although in sensitivity analysis the difference was only found for Prehabilitation interventions for lung cancer. Prehabilitation can improve functional capacity and smoking outcomes just before surgery. That improvements in smoking outcomes were sustained at 12-months post-surgery suggests that the surgical encounter holds promise as a teachable moment for longer-term behavioural change. Given the paucity of data on the effects on other behavioural risk factors, more research grounded in behavioural science and with longer-term follow-up is needed to further investigate this potential.

The value of perioperative physical activity in older patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

With a median age at diagnosis of 70, lung cancer represents an enormous public health problem among older Americans. An estimated 19,000 people age 65 and older undergo lung cancer surgery annually in the US. Older adults undergoing lung cancer surgery are often frail with limited physiologic reserves, multi-morbidities, and functional impairments. Physical function, dyspnea, and quality of life return to baseline slower in older adults compared with younger adults after lung surgery.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we summarize available data about perioperative physical activity interventions that may improve outcomes for older adults undergoing lung cancer surgery. We also review the limitations of existing studies and discuss emerging data on the roles of telehealth and family caregiver inclusion in peri-operative physical activity interventions.

EXPERT OPINION

We propose that future perioperative physical activity interventions in older adults undergoing lung cancer surgery should include a comprehensive geriatric assessment to guide personalized interventions. Interventions should be conceptually based, with a focus on enhancing self-efficacy, motivation, and adherence through classic behavior change strategies that are proven to impact outcomes. Finally, interventions should be designed with attention to feasibility and scalability. Exercise programs delivered via telehealth (telephone or tele-video) may improve access and convenience for patients.

[Surgery of old people-Thoracic surgery]

Background

The incidence of a large number of diseases relevant to thoracic surgery increases with age; however, old age is still frequently considered a contraindication per se for curative interventions and extensive surgical procedures.

Objective

Overview of the current relevant literature, derivation of recommendations for patient selection as well as preoperative, perioperative and postoperative optimization.

Material and methods

Analysis of the current study situation.

Results

Recent data show that for most thoracic diseases, age alone is not a reason to withhold surgical treatment. Much more important for the selection are comorbidities, frailty, malnutrition and cognitive impairment. A lobectomy or segmentectomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in carefully selected octogenarians can provide acceptable to even comparably good short-term and long-term results as in younger patients. Selected > 75-year-old patients with stages II-IIIA NSCLC even benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. With appropriate selection high-risk interventions, such as pneumonectomy in > 70-year-old patients and pulmonary endarterectomy in > 80-year-old patients can be performed without an increase in mortality rates. Even lung transplantation can lead to good long-term results in carefully selected > 70-year-old patients. Minimally invasive surgical techniques and nonintubated anesthesia contribute to risk reduction in marginal patients.

Discussion

In thoracic surgery the biological age rather than the chronological age is decisive. In view of the increasingly older population, further studies are urgently needed to optimize patient selection, type of intervention, preoperative planning and postoperative treatment as well as the quality of life.

Surgical prehabilitation in older and frail individuals: a scoping review

Background:

Older individuals who are scheduled for elective procedures often have co-morbidities at baseline and may be classified as frail. Both older age and frailty are associated with poor fitness and preoperative deconditioning, which can be predictors of postoperative complications. Prehabilitation aims to improve preoperative health in order to reduce complications and expedite postoperative recovery. To date, the effect of prehabilitation on improving outcomes in older and frail individuals is unclear, and the evidence in support of multi-modal treatments is evolving.

Methods:

In this scoping review, searches of PubMed and Cochrane Library between August 2012 and August 2022 were performed to identify studies investigating the efficacy of prehabilitation prior to surgical procedures.

Results:

A total of 36 articles were included in the review. Most of these examined the efficacy of unimodal (n=21) prehabilitation interventions, most commonly exercise therapy. Multimodal prehabilitation programs (n=15) included a variety of intervention components (e.g., exercise training, nutrition, psychological intervention or geriatric consultation). The most commonly studied populations were patients with gastrointestinal cancer (mostly colorectal cancer). Exercise therapy and multimodal interventions are likely to be of greatest impact on postoperative functional decline in patients awaiting total knee or hip arthroplasty, and cancer-related resection surgery (e.g., due to colorectal, gastric or lung cancer) in older and frail patients.

Conclusions:

Presurgical prehabilitation showed the potential to diminish postoperative outcomes in older and frail patients prior to surgery. However, adequately powered, randomized controlled, assessor blinded intervention trials demonstrating overall benefit of prehabilitation are needed.

Aims

This scoping review aims to summarize the current literature on the efficacy of prehabilitation in older and frail individuals who are undergoing surgical procedures in order to support clinical protocols and inform future research.

Evidence base for exercise prehabilitation suggests favourable outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for non-small cell lung cancer despite being of low therapeutic quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate whether exercise prehabilitation programs reduce postoperative complications, postoperative mortality, and length of hospital stay (LoS) in patients undergoing surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), thereby accounting for the quality of the physical exercise program.

METHODS

Two reviewers independently selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies and assessed them for methodological quality and therapeutic quality of the exercise prehabilitation program (i-CONTENT tool). Eligible studies included patients with NSCLC performing exercise prehabilitation and reported the occurrence of 90-day postoperative complications, postoperative mortality, and LoS. Meta-analyses were performed and the certainty of the evidence was graded (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)) for each outcome.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies, comprising 2,096 patients, were included. Pooled analyses of RCTs and observational studies showed that prehabilitation reduces postoperative pulmonary complications (OR 0.45), postoperative severe complications (OR 0.51), and LoS (mean difference -2.46 days), but not postoperative mortality (OR 1.11). The certainty of evidence was very low to moderate for all outcomes. Risk of ineffectiveness of the prehabilitation program was high in half of the studies due to an inadequate reporting of the dosage of the exercise program, inadequate type and timing of the outcome assessment, and low adherence.

CONCLUSION

Although risk of ineffectiveness was high for half of the prehabilitation programs and certainty of evidence was very low to moderate, prehabilitation seems to result in a reduction of postoperative pulmonary and severe complications, as well as LoS in patients undergoing surgery for NSCLC.

Feasibility and outcomes of a real-world regional lung cancer prehabilitation programme in the UK

BACKGROUND

Prehabilitation, or multimodality patient optimisation before major treatment, has demonstrated meaningful improvements in patients' outcomes. In the setting of lung cancer surgery, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay are reduced, but there is currently limited access to prehabilitation. Prehab4Cancer (P4C) is an innovative regional programme serving all areas of Greater Manchester (GM).

METHODS

The lung cancer P4C service commenced in 2019 as a collaboration between the GM Cancer alliance and 12 leisure and community organisations. Patients planning surgical resection could be referred to receive exercise, nutrition, and well-being assessment and interventions before surgery. We evaluated the programme's feasibility, uptake, and outcomes during the 11 months before COVID-19 restrictions.

RESULTS

In total, 377 patients were referred to the lung cancer P4C service from all 11 hospitals in GM. Of the patients reached by telephone, 80.0% (n=280/348) attended initial P4C assessment, which occurred a median of 8 days (inter-quartile range [IQR]: 4-14) after referral. In addition, 74.3% (n=280/377) attended for baseline assessment and 47.7% (n=180/377) completed prehabilitation, attending a median of six sessions (IQR: 4-9). Statistically significant improvements in all objective physiological and subjective functional assessments were observed preoperatively, including a mean increase in the incremental shuttle walk test of 50 m (95% confidence interval: 25-74; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The P4C programme demonstrated feasibility at scale, high uptake, and promising impact on the status of patients with lung cancer before surgery. P4C is the first regional prehabilitation service internationally, and this evaluation provides a framework for implementing similar services in other regions.

Association of Preoperative Rehabilitation With Postoperative Length of Hospital Stay for Elderly Lung Cancer Patients

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative rehabilitation on postoperative hospital stay in elderly lung cancer patients following lung resection. This was a retrospective observational study using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. Data of patients diagnosed between April 2016 and March 2020 were collected. Patients were identified using the International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems Version 10-10 codes, C34.0-C34.3 and C34.8. Multilevel linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of preoperative rehabilitation on the length of hospital stay. A total of 9,393 patients were included in the study. Univariate analysis showed that preoperative rehabilitation was significantly associated with postoperative length of hospital stay (coefficient: -1.61; 95% confidence interval: -2.42, -0.81; P <0.001). In addition, multivariate analysis showed preoperative rehabilitation to be associated with a significant decrease in postoperative length of hospital stay (coefficient=-1.38; 95% confidence interval: -2.19, -0.58; P =0.001). Preoperative rehabilitation may shorten length of hospital stay in elderly patients with lung cancer.

[Surgery of old people-Thoracic surgery]

BACKGROUND

The incidence of a large number of diseases relevant to thoracic surgery increases with age; however, old age is still frequently considered a contraindication per se for curative interventions and extensive surgical procedures.

OBJECTIVE

Overview of the current relevant literature, derivation of recommendations for patient selection as well as preoperative, perioperative and postoperative optimization.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Analysis of the current study situation.

RESULTS

Recent data show that for most thoracic diseases, age alone is not a reason to withhold surgical treatment. Much more important for the selection are comorbidities, frailty, malnutrition and cognitive impairment. A lobectomy or segmentectomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in carefully selected octogenarians can provide acceptable to even comparably good short-term and long-term results as in younger patients. Selected > 75-year-old patients with stages II-IIIA NSCLC even benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. With appropriate selection high-risk interventions, such as pneumonectomy in > 70-year-old patients and pulmonary endarterectomy in > 80-year-old patients can be performed without an increase in mortality rates. Even lung transplantation can lead to good long-term results in carefully selected > 70-year-old patients. Minimally invasive surgical techniques and nonintubated anesthesia contribute to risk reduction in marginal patients.

DISCUSSION

In thoracic surgery the biological age rather than the chronological age is decisive. In view of the increasingly older population, further studies are urgently needed to optimize patient selection, type of intervention, preoperative planning and postoperative treatment as well as the quality of life.

Preoperative inspiratory muscle training in a patient with lung cancer and comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory sarcopenia: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Preoperative inspiratory muscle weakness is also a risk factor for PPCs. Sarcopenia and COPD are often associated with inspiratory muscle weakness. Respiratory sarcopenia has been defined as the coexistence of whole-body sarcopenia and respiratory muscle weakness. We report our experience with preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation, including inspiratory muscle training (IMT), in a patient with lung cancer and comorbid respiratory sarcopenia and COPD.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 73-year-old man with squamous cell lung cancer (cStage IA2) was hospitalized for pulmonary rehabilitation before lung resection. He had comorbid severe sarcopenia and COPD (GOLD stage III). He also had inspiratory muscle weakness and a thin diaphragm. We conducted IMT on the patient in addition to aerobic exercise and instruction regarding sputum expectoration for 2 weeks before the surgery. Consequently, his pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and exercise capacity improved. Segmentectomy was performed using video-assisted thoracic surgery. No postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

IMT in a patient with lung cancer and comorbid respiratory sarcopenia and COPD resulted in improved respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function. IMT may have reduced the risk of PPCs by strengthening the respiratory muscles and improving pulmonary function.

Post-Operative Outcomes of Pre-Thoracic Surgery Respiratory Muscle Training vs Aerobic Exercise Training: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the postoperative outcomes of preoperative respiratory muscle training (RMT) with a device to preoperative aerobic exercise training (AET) in patients undergoing thoracic surgeries (cardiac and lung).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched upon inception to 9/2020.

STUDY SELECTION

All randomized control studies, including preoperative RMT and preoperative AET compared with a non-training control group, were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

The meta-analysis was performed for outcomes including postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), pneumonia, postoperative respiratory failure (PRF), hospital length of stay (HLOS), and mortality. We performed a network meta-analysis based on Bayesian random-effects regression models.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A total of 25 studies, 2070 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled data for the patients who performed RMT with a device showed a reduction in PPCs, pneumonia, PRF with odds ratio (OR) of 0.35 (P value .006), 0.38 (P value .002), and 0.22 (P value .008), respectively. Pooled data for the patients who performed AET showed reduction in PPC, pneumonia with a OR of 0.33 (P value <.00001) and OR of 0.54 (P value .01), respectively. HLOS was decreased by 1.69 days (P value <.00001) by performing RMT and 1.79 days (P value .0008) by performing AET compared with the usual group. No significant difference in all-cause mortality compared with usual care in both RMT and AET intervention groups. No significant difference in the incidence of PRF compared with usual group in RMT + AET and AET alone intervention groups (OR 0.32; P=.21; OR 0.94; P=.87). Based on rank probability plots analysis, on network meta-analysis, RMT and AET ranked similarly on the primary outcome of PPC and secondary outcomes of pneumonia, PRF and HLOS.

CONCLUSIONS

In thoracic surgeries, preoperative RMT is comparable with preoperative AET to prevent PPC, pneumonia, and PRF and reduce HLOS. It can be considered in patients in resource-limited settings.

Preoperative exercise training for people with non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) offers the best chance of cure, but it is associated with a risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. It is unclear if preoperative exercise training, and the potential resultant improvement in exercise capacity, may improve postoperative outcomes. This review updates our initial 2017 systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

1. To evaluate the benefits and harm of preoperative exercise training on postoperative outcomes, such as the risk of developing a postoperative pulmonary complication and the postoperative duration of intercostal catheter, in adults scheduled to undergo lung resection for NSCLC. 2. To determine the effect on length of hospital stay (and costs associated with postoperative hospital stay), fatigue, dyspnoea, exercise capacity, lung function and postoperative mortality.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was from 28 November 2016 to 23 November 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which study participants who were scheduled to undergo lung resection for NSCLC were allocated to receive either preoperative exercise training or no exercise training.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. risk of developing a postoperative pulmonary complication; 2. postoperative duration of intercostal catheter and 3.

SAFETY

Our secondary outcomes were 1. postoperative length of hospital stay; 2. postintervention fatigue; 3. postintervention dyspnoea; 4. postintervention and postoperative exercise capacity; 5. postintervention lung function and 6. postoperative mortality. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

Along with the five RCTs included in the original version, we identified an additional five RCTs, resulting in 10 RCTs involving 636 participants. Preoperative exercise training results in a large reduction in the risk of developing a postoperative pulmonary complication compared to no preoperative exercise training (risk ratio (RR) 0.45, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.61; I2 = 0%; 9 studies, 573 participants; high-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about its effect on postoperative intercostal catheter duration (MD -2.07 days, 95% CI -4.64 to 0.49; I2 = 77%, 3 studies, 111 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Preoperative exercise training is likely safe as studies reported no adverse events. Preoperative exercise training likely results in a reduction in postoperative length of hospital stay (MD -2.24 days, 95% CI -3.64 to -0.85; I2 = 85%; 9 studies, 573 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Preoperative exercise training likely increases postintervention exercise capacity measured by peak oxygen consumption (MD 3.36 mL/kg/minute, 95% CI 2.70 to 4.02; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 191 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); but the evidence is very uncertain about its effect on postintervention exercise capacity measured by the 6-minute walk distance (MD 29.55 m, 95% CI 12.05 to 47.04; I2 = 90%; 6 studies, 474 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Preoperative exercise training may result in little to no effect on postintervention lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second: MD 5.87% predicted, 95% CI 4.46 to 7.28; I2 = 0%; 4 studies, 197 participants; low-certainty evidence).  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative exercise training results in a large reduction in the risk of developing a postoperative pulmonary complication compared to no preoperative exercise training for people with NSCLC. It may also reduce postoperative length of hospital stay, and improve exercise capacity and lung function in people undergoing lung resection for NSCLC. The findings of this review should be interpreted with caution due to risk of bias. Research investigating the cost-effectiveness and long-term outcomes associated with preoperative exercise training in NSCLC is warranted.

Systematic Review of Functional Outcomes in Cancer Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the evidence regarding rehabilitation interventions targeting optimal physical or cognitive function in adults with a history of cancer and describe the breadth of evidence as well as strengths and limitations across a range of functional domains.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Plus, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. The time scope was January 2008 to April 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

Prospective, controlled trials including single- and multiarm cohorts investigating rehabilitative interventions for cancer survivors at any point in the continuum of care were included, if studies included a primary functional outcome measure. Secondary data analyses and pilot/feasibility studies were excluded. Full-text review identified 362 studies for inclusion.

DATA EXTRACTION

Extraction was performed by coauthor teams and quality and bias assessed using the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Classification of Evidence Scheme (class I-IV).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Studies for which the functional primary endpoint achieved significance were categorized into 9 functional areas foundational to cancer rehabilitation: (1) quality of life (109 studies), (2) activities of daily living (61 studies), (3) fatigue (59 studies), (4) functional mobility (55 studies), (5) exercise behavior (37 studies), (6) cognition (20 studies), (7) communication (10 studies), (8) sexual function (6 studies), and (9) return to work (5 studies). Most studies were categorized as class III in quality/bias. Averaging results found within each of the functional domains, 71% of studies reported statistically significant results after cancer rehabilitation intervention(s) for at least 1 functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide evidence supporting the efficacy of rehabilitative interventions for individuals with a cancer history. The findings should be balanced with the understanding that many studies had moderate risk of bias and/or limitations in study quality by AAN criteria. These results may provide a foundation for future work to establish clinical practice guidelines for rehabilitative interventions across cancer disease types.

Effect of physical manipulation pulmonary rehabilitation on lung cancer patients after thoracoscopic lobectomy

Background

To introduce a new postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation program named physical manipulation pulmonary rehabilitation (PMPR) and to explore the effect of perioperative management, including PMPR, on patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted between April and June 2021 at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Hospital. Adult patients with NSCLC who had undergone thoracoscopic lobectomy were allocated to the treatment and control groups using a random number table. The treatment group received both conventional pulmonary rehabilitation (CVPR) and 14 days of PMPR after surgery; the control group patients received CVPR only. PMPR included relaxing and exercising the intercostal muscles, thoracic costal joint and abdominal breathing muscles. Pulmonary function tests and the 6‐min walk test were conducted preoperatively and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days postoperatively. The postoperative length of hospital stay, chest tube retention time and postoperative pulmonary complications were recorded. The baseline data, pulmonary function parameters and prognosis were compared with t‐ and chi‐square tests between the two groups.

Results

A total of 86 patients were enrolled, and 44 patients were allocated to the treatment group. There were no significant differences in the baseline data for age, sex, body mass index, basic disease, surgical plan or preoperative pulmonary function between the two groups (all p > 0.05). The peak expiratory flow of patients in the treatment group was higher than that of those in the control group 21 days after surgery (316 ± 95 vs. 272 ± 103 l/min, respectively, p = 0.043), and forced expiratory volume in the first second on day 28 after surgery was greater than that in the control group (2.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.3 L, respectively, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in forced vital capacity or 6‐min walk test scores (both p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidences of pneumonia and atelectasis between the two groups (both p > 0.05). The postoperative length of hospital stay (3.3 ± 1.3 vs. 3.9 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.043) and chest tube retention time (66 ± 30 vs. 81 ± 35 h, p = 0.036) in the treatment group were shorter than those in the control group.

Conclusions

We determined that PMPR could improve early lung function in patients with NSCLC after thoracoscopic lobectomy, and that chest tube retention time and length of hospital stay were shortened.

A Prediction Model for Postoperative Pulmonary Complication in Pulmonary Function-Impaired Patients Following Lung Resection

Purpose

Most patients with lung cancer have impaired pulmonary function. Single pulmonary function parameters have been suggested as good indices for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC). The purpose of this retrospective study was to construct a prediction model, including more than one pulmonary function parameter, for better prediction of PPC in patients with lung cancer and impaired pulmonary function.

Patients and Methods

Our database of patients who underwent lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer was reviewed and those with impaired pulmonary function were enrolled. Clinical data, including PPC, were recorded. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were applied to explore potential predictors and a prediction model constructed based on the results of logistic regression.

Results

Patients with impaired pulmonary function (n = 124) were enrolled. Most patients were male, current smokers, >60 years old, and had adenocarcinoma and mild ventilatory dysfunction or diffusion dysfunction. In univariate analysis, we identified six pulmonary function parameters that differed significantly between the PPC and non-PPC groups. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the best cutoff values. In logistic regression, only forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%), peak expiratory flow (PEF%), and post predictive operation (ppo)-FEV1% remained significant. Based on these results, we constructed a prediction model for PPC including FEV1/FVC%, PEF%, and ppo-FEV1%, which had an good diagnostic performance of, with 76.7% sensitivity and 67.6% specificity.

Conclusion

Our prediction model, including the pulmonary function parameters, FEV1/FVC%, PEF%, and ppo-FEV1%, shows excellent performance for predicting PPC in patients with lung cancer and impaired pulmonary function following resection, and has potential for wide application in clinical practice.

The effect of home-based preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation before lung resection: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the effect of home-based preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation (HBPPR) on the incidence of postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and duration of intercostal catheterization in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent lung resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 144 patients who underwent lung resection were recruited, 51 of whom received HBPPR, comprising respiratory muscle training and was supervised (for patients undergoing it for the first time). Patients continued these programs for 2-4 weeks during the preoperative waiting period, in their homes. Data on postoperative complications graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, LOS, and intercostal catheterization duration were collected from medical records. These outcomes were compared between the HBPPR and non-HBPPR groups using Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test, after 1:1 propensity score matching to avoid selection bias.

RESULTS

Forty-nine matched pairs were extracted using propensity score matching. HBPPR reduced the onset of postoperative complications (p = 0.04), with the relative ratio (RR) for Clavien-Dindo Class I postoperative complications showing a significant difference (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.30-1.02; p = 0.05), whereas RRs for the other Clavien-Dindo classes were not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in LOS or the duration of intercostal catheterization.

CONCLUSION

HBPPR reduced the incidence of Clavien-Dindo Class I postoperative complications after lung resection. Implementing HBPPR practices in a clinical setting would benefit patients unable to receive supervised preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation due to access barriers, time, and financial constraints.

Perioperative exercise intervention in patients with lung cancer: A systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials

Objectives:

During perioperative, lung cancer (LC) patients are often left to experience debilitating disease-related symptoms, impaired physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and social difficulties, despite the progress achieved in terms of treatment efficacy. Nonpharmacological intervention, such as exercise, has been identified as an effective strategy in LC patients before and after lung resection. Therefore, we aimed to assess evidence of the effect of perioperative exercise among patients with LC.

Materials and Methods:

Seven databases were searched from January 1998 to September 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of exercise on the physical and psychological status of patients with LC during the perioperative period were reviewed. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of all studies included here using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs.

Results:

Seventeen RCTs (1199 participants) published between 2011 and 2019 met for this literature review. The outcome measures that emerged from these studies included subjective outcomes, such as HRQoL, pain score, fatigue, and objective effects, such as cardiorespiratory fitness, pulmonary function, physical activity, and biological markers. Overall, these studies suggest that exercise should be an optimal option for LC; however, its efficacy and effectiveness regarding HRQoL should be investigated further.

Conclusion:

Perioperative exercise could be included in the rehabilitation program of patients with LC. More extensive, high-quality RCTs evidence is needed on the ideal exercise type, duration, intensity, and timing across the LC perioperative care.

The Clinical Value of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Reducing Postoperative Complications and Mortality of Lung Cancer Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation is one meaningful way of improving exercise tolerance and pulmonary function. Thus, it may reduce the postoperative complications and mortality of pulmonary resection. Hence, we refreshed the data and conducted this systemic analysis.

Method: We searched Pubmed, Web of Science, and EMBASE using “lung OR pulmonary” AND “operation OR resection OR surgery” AND “rehabilitation or exercise.” The cut-off date was September 30, 2020. The publications were filtrated, and data were extracted from all selected studies by two reviewers. Review Manger 5.1 and the fixed or random regression model were used for calculating the pooled odds ratio (OR).

Result: Finally, 13 publications were enrolled in this study. Among them, five publications reported mortality, nine reported postoperative complications, and seven reported postoperative pulmonary complications. The pooled OR of mortality was 1.32 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54–3.23] for the pulmonary rehabilitation group, the pooled OR of postoperative complications was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.49–0.79) for the pulmonary rehabilitation group, and the pooled OR of postoperative pulmonary complications was 0.39 (95% CI: 0.27–0.56) for the pulmonary rehabilitation group. Subgroup analysis revealed the perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation was the most important part.

Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation may not affect the mortality of pulmonary resection patients, however, it could decrease the number of postoperative complications, especially pulmonary complications. Perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation was the most important part of the program.

Pre-admission interventions (prehabilitation) to improve outcome after major elective surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the benefits and harms of pre-admission interventions (prehabilitation) on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing major elective surgery.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (published or unpublished). We searched Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, DARE, HTA and NHS EED, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsychINFO and ISI Web of Science (June 2020).

SETTING

Secondary care.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (≥18 years) undergoing major elective surgery (curative or palliative).

INTERVENTIONS

Any intervention administered in the preoperative period with the aim of improving postoperative outcomes.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, hospital length of stay (LoS) and postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included LoS in intensive care unit or high dependency unit, perioperative morbidity, hospital readmission, postoperative pain, heath-related quality of life, outcomes specific to the intervention, intervention-specific adverse events and resource use.

REVIEW METHODS

Two authors independently extracted data from eligible RCTs and assessed risk of bias and the certainty of evidence using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to pool data across trials.

RESULTS

178 RCTs including eight types of intervention were included. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT), immunonutrition and multimodal interventions reduced hospital LoS (mean difference vs usual care: -1.81 days, 95% CI -2.31 to -1.31; -2.11 days, 95% CI -3.07 to -1.15; -1.67 days, 95% CI -2.31 to -1.03, respectively). Immunonutrition reduced infective complications (risk ratio (RR) 0.64 95% CI 0.40 to 1.01) and IMT, and exercise reduced postoperative pulmonary complications (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.80, and RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.75, respectively). Smoking cessation interventions reduced wound infections (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

Some prehabilitation interventions may reduce postoperative LoS and complications but the quality of the evidence was low.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42015019191.

Pivotal role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in improving survival outcome of stage I non-small cell lung cancer in day surgery patients

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, has high morbidity rates. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) as day surgery makes surgical treatment ideally in time with the same quality of medical care. This study aimed to assess the safety of stage I NSCLC patients who underwent VATS at a day surgery center.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and tumor features of VATS patients at a single center, West China Hospital, from June 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. Patients fulfilled all inclusion criteria, did not meet any exclusion criteria and underwent wedge resection, segmentectomy, or lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 43 (range, 19-67) years. Of the 209 patients, most were women. A total of 108 (51.7%) patients underwent segmentectomy, 87 (41.6%) lobectomy, and 14 (6.7%) wedge resection with systematic lymph node dissection. According to the AJCC/UICC eighth edition of lung cancer stage grouping, stages IA, IA1, IA2, and IA3 were 195 (93.3%), 122 (58.4%), 50 (23.9%), and one (0.5%), respectively. A total of 36 (17.2%) patients were stage 0. Adenocarcinoma was predominantly the postoperative pathological diagnosis, as only 14 (6.7%) were benign. A total of 201 (96.17%) patients were discharged without a chest tube. The most common chief complaints were cough, incisional pain, and shortness of breath. No severe complications or life-threatening emergencies were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The day surgery mode of VATS for stage I NSCLC is safe and feasible, which makes surgical treatment ideally in time for stage I NSCLC patients with the same quality of medical care.

The effectiveness of pre- and post-operative rehabilitation for lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis on postoperative pulmonary complications and length of hospital stay

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of rehabilitation either before or after operation for lung cancer on postoperative pulmonary complications and the length of hospital stay.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo and Embase were searched from inception until June 2021.

REVIEW METHODS

Inclusion criteria were patients scheduled to undergo or had undergone operation for lung cancer, randomised controlled trials comparing rehabilitative interventions initiated before hospital discharge to usual care control. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility, extracted data and risks of bias. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included (12 preoperative, 10 postoperative and 1 perioperative), with 2068 participants. The pooled postoperative pulmonary complication risk and length of hospital stay were reduced after preoperative interventions (OR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.22, 0.47; I² = 0.0% and SMD = -1.68 days, 95% CI = -2.23, -1.13; I² = 77.8%, respectively). Interventions delivered during the immediate postoperative period did not have any significant effects on either postoperative pulmonary complication or length of hospital stay (OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.56, 1.29; I² = 0.0% and SMD = -0.23 days, 95% CI = -1.08, 0.63; I² = 64.6%, respectively). Meta-regression showed an association between a higher number of supervised sessions and shorter hospital length of stay in preoperative studies (β = -0.17, 95% CI = -0.29, -0.05).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative rehabilitation is effective in reducing postoperative pulmonary complications and length of hospital stay associated with lung cancer surgery. Short-term postoperative rehabilitation in inpatient settings is probably ineffective.

Feasibility of a novel mixed-nutrient supplement in a multimodal prehabilitation intervention for lung cancer patients awaiting surgery: A randomized controlled pilot trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate, in lung cancer patients awaiting elective surgery, the feasibility of delivering a novel four-week multimodal prehabilitation intervention and its effects on preoperative functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), compared to standard hospital care.

METHODS

Adult patients awaiting elective thoracotomy for lung cancer stages I, II or IIIa, were approached to participate in an open-label, randomized controlled trial of two parallel arms: multimodal prehabilitation combining a mixed-nutrient supplement with structured supervised and home-based exercise training, and relaxation-strategies (Prehab) or standard hospital care (Control). Feasibility was assessed based on recruitment and adherence rates to the intervention and study outcome assessment. Functional capacity, measured by the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and HRQoL were measured at baseline and after four weeks (preoperative).

RESULTS

Within 5 months, 34 patients were enrolled and randomized (2:1) to Prehab (n = 24; median age = 67 years) or Control (n = 10; median age = 69 years); recruitment rate of 58.6%. The study was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Adherence to the prescribed intensity of the supervised exercise program was 84.1% (SD 23.1). Self-reported adherence to the home-based exercise program was 88.2% (SD 21) and to the nutritional supplement, 93.2% (SD 14.2). Adherence to patients' preoperative assessment was 82% and 88% in Prehab and Control, respectively. The mean adjusted difference in 4-week preoperative 6MWT between groups was 37.7 m (95% CI, -6.1 to 81.4), p = 0.089. There were no differences in HRQoL between groups.

CONCLUSION

Within a preoperative timeframe, it was feasible to deliver this novel multimodal prehabilitation intervention in lung cancer patients awaiting surgery.

Effects of exercise training in people with non-small cell lung cancer before lung resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Exercise training before lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer is believed to decrease postoperative complications (POC) by improving cardiorespiratory fitness. However, this intervention lacks a strong evidence base.

AIM

To assess the effectiveness of preoperative exercise training compared with usual care on POC and other secondary outcomes in patients with scheduled lung resection.

METHODS

A systematic search of randomised trials was conducted by two authors. Meta-analysis was performed, and the effect of exercise training was estimated by risk ratios (RR) and mean differences, with their CIs. Clinical usefulness was estimated according to minimal important difference values (MID).

RESULTS

Fourteen studies involving 791 participants were included. Compared with usual care, exercise training reduced overall POC (10 studies, 617 participants, RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.75) and clinically relevant POC (4 studies, 302 participants, Clavien-Dindo score ≥2 RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.69). The estimate of the effect of exercise training on mortality was very imprecise (6 studies, 456 participants, RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.22). The main risks of bias were a lack of participant blinding and selective reporting. Exercise training appeared to improve exercise capacity, pulmonary function and also quality of life and depression, although the clinical usefulness of the changes was unclear. The quality of the evidence was graded for each outcome.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative exercise training leads to a worthwhile reduction in postoperative complications. These estimates were both accurate and large enough to make recommendations for clinical practice.

Effect of inspiratory muscle training associated or not to physical rehabilitation in preoperative anatomic pulmonary resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to systematically review the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) associated or not with physical rehabilitation in the preoperative period of anatomical pulmonary resection.

METHODS

Search in the databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS and PEDro up to November 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in adults in the preoperative period of pulmonary resection. The selection of studies and data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. The risk of bias assessed with RoB 2.0 and the quality of evidence with GRADE.

PROSPERO

CRD42018105859.

RESULTS

Six RCTs were included; patients who underwent IMT in the preoperative period showed a significant improvement in functional capacity assessed by the 6-min walk test (6WT) (MD 28,93 [IC 95% 0,28; 57,58], p = 0,04, I² = 0%) and significantly reduced the length of hospital stay (MD -3,63 [IC 95% -4,96; -2,29], p = 0,00, I² = 0%). There was no significant difference between groups regarding pulmonary function, in postoperative complications such as pneumonia (RR 0,56 [IC 95% 0,29; 1,10], p = 0,09, I² = 0%), atelectasis (RR 0,81 [IC 95% 0,24; 2,69], p = 0,72, I² = 0%), mechanical ventilation > 48 h (RR 0,43 [IC 95% 0,12; 1,58], p = 0,20, I² = 0%), in mortality (RR 0,33 [IC 95% 0,04; 3,12], p = 0,33, I² = 0%), and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

IMT associated with physical exercise in the preoperative period of pulmonary resection improves functional capacity and reduces the length of hospital stay in the postoperative period.

Preoperative Exercise Training to Prevent Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Adults Undergoing Major Surgery. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis

Rationale: Poor preoperative physical fitness and respiratory muscle weakness are associated with postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) that result in prolonged hospital length of stay and increased mortality.Objectives: To examine the effect of preoperative exercise training on the risk of PPCs across different surgical settings.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and the Cochrane Central Register, without language restrictions, for studies from inception to July 2020. We included randomized controlled trials that compared patients receiving exercise training with those receiving usual care or sham training before cardiac, lung, esophageal, or abdominal surgery. PPCs were the main outcome; secondary outcomes were preoperative functional changes and postoperative mortality, cardiovascular complications, and hospital length of stay. The study was registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews).Results: From 29 studies, 2,070 patients were pooled for meta-analysis. Compared with the control condition, preoperative exercise training was associated with a lower incidence of PPCs (23 studies, 1,864 patients; relative risk, 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.66; grading of evidence, moderate); Trial Sequential Analysis confirmed effectiveness, and there was no evidence of difference of effect across surgeries, type of training (respiratory muscles, endurance or combined), or preoperative duration of training. At the end of the preoperative period, exercise training resulted in increased peak oxygen uptake (weighted mean difference [WMD], +2 ml/kg/min; 99% CI, 0.3 to 3.7) and higher maximal inspiratory pressure (WMD, +12.2 cm H₂O; 99% CI, 6.3 to 18.2). Hospital length of stay was shortened (WMD, -2.3 d; 99% CI, -3.82 to -0.75) in the intervention group, whereas no difference was found in postoperative mortality.Conclusions: Preoperative exercise training improves physical fitness and reduces the risk of developing PPCs while minimizing hospital resources use, regardless of the type of intervention and surgery performed.Systematic review registered with https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ (CRD 42018096956).

Prehabilitation exercise therapy for cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of prehabilitation exercise intervention with respect to (1) acceptability, feasibility, and safety; and (2) physical function, measured by 6-minute-walk test (6MWT).

DATA SOURCES

PRISMA guidelines were used to systematically search PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases evaluating prehabilitation exercise interventions.

STUDY SELECTION

The inclusion criteria were studies investigating patients who underwent surgery for their cancer and underwent prehabilitation exercise.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Guidelines were applied by independent extraction by multiple observers. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.

MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S)

Acceptability, feasibility, and safety rates were calculated. 6MWT (maximum distance a person can walk at their own pace on a hard, flat surface, measured in meters, with longer distance indicative of better performance status) was compared using two arms using the DerSimonian and Laird method.

RESULTS

Objective 1. Across 21 studies included in this review, 1564 patients were enrolled, 1371 (87.7%) accepted the trial; of 1371, 1230 (89.7% feasibility) completed the intervention. There was no grade 3+ toxicities. Objective 2. Meta-analysis of five studies demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in 6MWT distance postoperatively in the control group (mean difference = +27.9 m; 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.3; 46.6) and a significant improvement postoperatively in the prehabilitation group (mean difference = -24.1 m; 95% CI: -45.7; -2.6). Meta-analysis demonstrated improvements in 6MWT distance 4-8 weeks postoperatively in the prehabilitation group compared to the control group (mean difference = -58.0 m, 95% CI: -92.8; -23.3).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Prehabilitation exercise for cancer patients undergoing surgery was found to be safe, acceptable, and feasible with a statistically significant improvement in the 6MWT, indicating that prehabilitation can improve postoperative functional capacity.

Multimodal Exercise Program: A Pilot Randomized Trial for Patients With Lung Cancer Receiving Surgical Treatment

BACKGROUND

Curative lung resection is the best option for patients with stage I-III lung cancer, and the best exercise intervention in these patients has not been determined.

OBJECTIVES

This pilot study explored whether a short-term pre- and postsurgery multimodal exercise program affected dyspnea, exercise capacity, inspiratory capacity, anxiety, and depression.

METHODS

A total of 101 patients were randomly allocated into the combined intervention group (n = 34), the breathing exercise group (n = 32), or the control group (n = 35). During hospitalization, patients in the two intervention groups received one or more kinds of exercise intervention, and patients in the control group only received usual care. Outcomes were assessed at admission, on the day before surgery, and at discharge.

FINDINGS

Both intervention groups achieved significant improvements in dyspnea, exercise capacity, and inspiratory capacity, and patients in the combined intervention group exhibited greater improvements in outcomes as compared to those randomized to the breathing exercise group.

Effect of Exercise Interventions on Quality of Life in Patients With Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Improving quality of life (QOL) is a key issue for patients with lung cancer. Exercise interventions could positively affect patients' QOL; however, there is no clear-cut understanding of the role of exercise in improving QOL in patients with lung cancer.

LITERATURE SEARCH

The PubMed®, Embase®, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched from inception to September 6, 2019.

DATA EVALUATION

16 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. A qualitative synthesis method was used to identify the effect of exercise interventions on QOL in patients with lung cancer.

SYNTHESIS

This review indicates that exercise interventions may have beneficial effects on the QOL of patients with lung cancer. The effectiveness seems to be affected by the duration of the intervention, as well as exercise frequency, intensity, and adherence.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Exercise interventions can be integrated into management plans for patients with lung cancer to improve their QOL. Healthcare providers should consider developing optimal exercise prescriptions to maximize the results for this population.

Pre-transplant Rehabilitation to Decrease the Post-transplant Length of Stay for Hematological Malignancy Patients Undergoing Allo-HSCT

Objectives:

Pre-transplant rehabilitation for hematological malignancy patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) helps improve physical capacity. However, its benefit with respect to post-transplant hospital length of stay (LOS) is unclear. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pre-transplant rehabilitation on post-transplant LOS for hematological malignancy patients undergoing allo-HSCT.

Methods:

Data on patients diagnosed between April 2014 and March 2017 were collected from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. The patients were identified using the ICD-10 codes C81–85, C90–94, C96, and D46. Multilevel linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the effects of pre-transplant rehabilitation on post-transplant LOS (log transformed).

Results:

In total, 3614 patients were included in the study. Pre-transplant rehabilitation was associated with a significant reduction in post-transplant hospital LOS (β=–0.134, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Pre-transplant rehabilitation may be an effective strategy for shortening the post-transplant hospital LOS in hematological malignancy patients undergoing allo-HSCT. Consequently, it may be necessary to consider starting rehabilitation before transplantation.

Exercise prehabilitation in lung cancer: Getting stronger to recover faster

Despite several recent advances, lung cancer surgery is still associated with potentially severe postoperative complications. It has been suggested that preoperative exercise training could render patients with borderline functional parameters eligible for surgery, improve perioperative outcomes and that these benefits might reduce healthcare costs. Nevertheless, given the substantial heterogeneity of the available studies, no specific guidelines for preoperative exercise training have been released so far. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the potential benefits of exercise training in the preoperative period as a central intervention for lung cancer patients. In detail, the effects of exercise (with different regimens) were evaluated in terms of physical functions, patients' eligibility for curative surgery, postoperative complications and length of stay, with an exploratory focus on healthcare costs and long-term outcomes. Furthermore, a feasible approach for every-day clinical practice is proposed in order to increase the expected benefit deriving from a more extensive and methodical application of prehabilitation exercise, ideally in the context of a comprehensive approach to lung cancer patients, including nutritional and psychological support.

Guidelines on enhanced recovery after pulmonary lobectomy

OBJECTIVE

To establish recommendations for optimisation of the management of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy, particularly Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS).

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 13 experts from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Soci,t, franOaise d'anesth,sie et de r,animation, SFAR) and the French Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (Soci,t, franOaise de chirurgie thoracique et cardiovasculaire, SFCTCV) was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guidelines process was conducted independently of any industry funding. The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide assessment of quality of evidence.

METHODS

Five domains were defined: 1) patient pathway and patient information; 2) preoperative management and rehabilitation; 3) anaesthesia and analgesia for lobectomy; 4) surgical strategy for lobectomy; and 5) enhanced recovery after surgery. For each domain, the objective of the recommendations was to address a number of questions formulated according to the PICO model (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome). An extensive literature search on these questions was carried out and analysed using the GRADE® methodology. Recommendations were formulated according to the GRADE® methodology, and were then voted by all experts according to the GRADE grid method.

RESULTS

The SFAR/SFCTCV guideline panel provided 32 recommendations on the management of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. After two voting rounds and several amendments, a strong consensus was reached for 31 of the 32 recommendations and a moderate consensus was reached for the last recommendation. Seven of these recommendations present a high level of evidence (GRADE 1+), 23 have a moderate level of evidence (18 GRADE 2+ and 5 GRADE 2-), and 2 correspond to expert opinions. Finally, no recommendation was provided for 2 of the questions.

CONCLUSIONS

A strong consensus was expressed by the experts to provide recommendations to optimise the whole perioperative management of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy.

Feasibility and acceptability of a preoperative exercise program for patients undergoing major cancer surgery: results from a pilot randomized controlled trial

Objective

To establish the feasibility and acceptability of a preoperative exercise program, and to obtain pilot data on the likely difference in key surgical outcomes to inform the sample size calculation for a full-scale trial.

Design

Pilot randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

Subjects

We included patients undergoing elective pelvic exenteration or cytoreductive surgery aged 18 to 80 years, who presented to the participating gastrointestinal surgeon at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Patients presenting cognitive impairment, co-morbidity preventing participation in exercise, inadequate English language, currently participating in an exercise program or unable to attend the exercise program sessions were excluded.

Methods

Participants were randomized to a 2–6 weeks preoperative, face-to-face, individualised exercise program or to usual care. Feasibility was assessed with consent rates to the study, and for the intervention group, retention and adherence rates to the preoperative exercise program. Acceptability of the exercise program was assessed with a semi-structured questionnaire exploring the advice received and the amount, duration and intensity of the exercise program. In addition, postoperative complication rates (Clavien-Dindo), length of hospital stay and self-reported measures of health-related quality of life (SF-36v2) were collected at baseline, day before surgery and in-hospital up to discharge from hospital.

Results

Of 122 patients screened, 26 (21%) were eligible and 22 (85%) accepted to participate in the trial and were randomized to the intervention (11; 50%) or control group (11; 50%). The median age of the include participants was 63 years. Adherence to the preoperative exercise sessions was 92.7%, with all participants either satisfied (33%) or extremely satisfied (67%) with the overall design of the preoperative exercise program. No significant differences in outcomes were found between groups.

Conclusions

The results of our pilot trial demonstrate that a preoperative exercise program is feasible and acceptable to patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery. There is an urgent need for a definite trial investigating the effectiveness of a preoperative exercise program on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery. This could potentially reduce postoperative complication rates, length of hospital stay and subsequently overall health care costs.

Trial registration

ACTRN12617001129370. Registered on August 1, 2017, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373396&showOriginal=true&isReview=true

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-021-00765-8.

The Safety and Efficacy of Inspiratory Muscle Training for Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Uncommonly high rates of pneumonia in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been observed during recent years. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) could reduce pneumonia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and other cardiac surgeries. The relationship between IMT and AMI is unknown. Here, we describe the feasibility and potential benefit of IMT in patients at high risk for pneumonia with AMI who have undergone primary PCI.

Methods: Our study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center clinical trial. A total of 60 participants will be randomized into an IMT group and control group with 30 participants in each group. Participants in the IMT group will undergo training for 15 min per session, twice a day, from 12 to 24 h after primary PCI, until 30 days post-randomization; usual care will be provided for the control group. The primary endpoint is the change in inspiratory muscle strength, the secondary endpoint included feasibility, pneumonia, major adverse cardiovascular events, length of stay, pulmonary function tests measure, and quality of life.

Discussion: Our study is designed to evaluate the feasibility of IMT and its effectiveness in improving inspiratory muscle strength in participants with AMI who have undergone primary PCI.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04491760.

Exercise and lung cancer surgery: A systematic review of randomized-controlled trials

Lung cancer patients undergoing surgery are often left physically deconditioned and/or with functional deficits. Exercise interventions may improve pulmonary and physical function before and after lung resection. We conducted a systematic review of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) testing the impact of pre-, post-, and combined pre-and-post surgery exercise interventions on physical and pulmonary function in lung cancer patients. Exercise pre-surgery seems to substantially improve physical and pulmonary function, which are factors associated with improved ability to undergo surgery while reducing post-surgery complications. Evidence is inconsistent for post-surgery interventions, reporting no or moderate effects. Results from pre-and-post surgery interventions are limited to one study. In conclusion, pre- and post-surgery exercise interventions, individually, have shown beneficial effects for lung cancer patients undergoing surgery. The impact of interventions combining both pre- and post-surgery exercise programs remains unknown. More evidence is needed on the ideal exercise setting, and timing across the lung cancer care continuum.

[Multidisciplinary team model for patients with oral cancer and systemic diseases: an expert consensus]

Large general hospitals currently play an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and treatment for acute critical patients and difficult diseases because of the development of dual referral system and hierarchical diagnosis, as well as the formation of medical treatment alliance. Patients with oral cancers are often associated with systemic diseases, which increases the complexity of the condition. Thus, meeting the demand through the traditional single medical model is difficult. As such, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) model has been proposed and has achieved a good clinical effect. To standardize the application of this model, we organized an event in which relevant experts discussed and formulated a consensus to provide standardized suggestions on the MDT process and the diagnosis and treatment of common systemic diseases as reference for clinical practice.