Perioperative rehabilitation in operation for lung cancer (PROLUCA) - rationale and design

Malignant neoplasm of the bronchi and lung: Russian clinical guidelines

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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.

Attention to the Principles of Exercise Training in Exercise Studies of Persons With Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review

The authors systematically reviewed and summarized exercise trials in persons with lung cancer on (a) attention to the principles of exercise training (specificity, progression, overload, initial values, reversibility, and diminishing returns); (b) methodological reporting of FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) components; and (c) reporting on participant adherence to prescribed FITT. Randomized controlled trials of exercise that reported on ≥1 physical fitness, physical function, or body composition outcome in persons with lung cancer were included. Of 20 trial arms, none incorporated all principles of exercise training. Specificity was included by 95%, progression by 45%, overload by 75%, and initial values by 80%, while one trial arm applied reversibility and diminishing returns. Fourteen interventions reported all FITT components; however, none reported adherence to each component. Including the principles of training and reporting FITT components will contribute to better understanding of the efficacy of exercise for persons with lung cancer and inform evidence-based exercise prescriptions.

Pre-treatment optimization with pulmonary rehabilitation in lung cancer: Making the inoperable patients operable

BACKGROUND

Anatomical lung resection offers the best prospect of long-term survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, some patients with significant dyspnoea, impaired performance status (PS), borderline or poor pulmonary function are considered inoperable and instead referred for radiotherapy, chemotherapy or palliative care. The aims of the study were to determine whether pre-operative pulmonary physiotherapy (Prehab), by improving clinical parameters, (i) makes patients suitable for surgery who were considered inoperable on subjective criteria of dyspnoea >3 and PS >2, and objective criteria of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) <50%; and (ii) thereby allows them to safely receive curative surgery with reduced morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

From January 2017 to December 2018 a total of 306 patients were prospectively and sequentially assessed for Prehab and 216 patients with lung cancer studied. Their mean age (95% CI) was 71.7 ± 1.1 years, 50.5% (n = 109) were men and they received Prehab over 39.0 ± 7.0 days averaging 3.1 ± 0.6 sessions. Their dyspnoea scores, PS, level of activity, six minute walk test (6MWT) and frailty index prior to and following Prehab were determined. Following surgery the post-operative length of hospital stay (LOHS), complications and mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 1 year determined. Similar outcomes were determined for (i) high-risk patients with dyspnoea scores >3 and PS >2, and compared with low-risk patients having dyspnoea scores <2 and PS <2 (subjective criteria); and (ii) high-risk patients with DLCO <50% and compared with low-risk patients with DLCO >80% (objective criteria).

FINDINGS

In the total cohort following Prehab, there was significant improvement in the dyspnoea scores <2 / ≥2 (40%/60% prior to Prehab vs. 65%/35% following Prehab, p = 0.00002), PS <2 / ≥2 (45%/55% prior to vs. 62%/38% following Prehab, p = 0.003), frailty index ≤3 / >3 (49%/51% vs 70%/30%, p = 0.0006), and 6MWT (306.6 ± 6.8 m vs 354.8 ± 52.7 m, p = 0.04). Post-operative major complication rates were 8.7%; median LOHS was 7 (IQR 6) days; hospital mortality at 30 days 1.3%, 90 days 4.7% and 1 year 16%. Using subjective criteria of dyspnoea scores >3 and PS >2, 100% of high-risk patients were considered inoperable. Following optimization with Prehab 84.2% of the high-risk patients were ready to proceed with radical treatment and 52.6% with surgery, and subsequently 42.8% of patients underwent surgery. Likewise, 78.8% of patients with DLCO <50% were considered inoperable. Following Prehab 86.5% of high-risk patients were ready to proceed with radical treatment and 59.1% with surgery, and 54.6% of high-risk patients underwent surgery. In each category there were no significant differences in complications, LOHS or mortality rates between the high-risk and low-risk patients.

INTERPRETATION

Our prospective study showed that with Prehab there was clinical and statistically significant improvement in the dyspnoea scores, PS, level of activity and frailty, particularly in the high-risk group of patients. Importantly, Prehab made previously inoperable patients operable, allowing them to safely undergo curative lung resection. This strategy helps improve resection rates and may contribute to the long term survival of lung cancer patients.

FUNDING

This is a Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC) commissioned service.

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.

Effects of progressive Orff vocal therapy on BODE index and quality of life in patients with low lung function after non-small cell lung cancer surgery

Objective: To explore the effect of Orff vocal therapy on BODE index and quality of life of patients with low lung function after non-small cell lung cancer surgery.

Methods: From March 2014 to March 2019, 231 patients with NSCLC postoperative (their pulmonary functions FEV1 [Formula: see text] of the expected value) in the Huashan Hospital, Fudan University were selected and randomly divided into observation groups and control group. On the basis of conventional treatment of NSCLC, the control group used lung rehabilitation training, and the observation group used the Orff music therapy. They carry out vocal and breath training step by step, using a combination of online and offline methods, 1[Formula: see text]h per day online interactive training, 2[Formula: see text]h of offline group vocal therapy once a week, continuous intervention for 12 months. The patient’s BODE index and FACT-L scores were monthly follow-up.

Results: Compared with the control group, the BODE index and FACT-L scores improved more significantly in the vocal therapy group ([Formula: see text]). Especially in the FEV1pred, family/society module and functional status module, the improvement was most significant, compared with the control group ([Formula: see text]). And the loss of follow-up rate in the vocal therapy group was lower than that in the lung rehabilitation group ([Formula: see text]).

Conclusion: Orff vocal therapy can improve the BODE index and quality of life of patients with low lung function after non-small cell lung cancer surgery, and its compliance and intervention effects are better than ordinary lung rehabilitation training.

The Lived Experiences, Perceptions, and Considerations of Patients After Operable Lung Cancer Concerning Nonparticipation in a Randomized Clinical Rehabilitation Trial

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences, perceptions, and considerations of individuals who declined participation in a randomized clinical trial involving exercise rehabilitation after surgery for lung cancer. An interpretive phenomenological approach was applied comprising interviews with 15 individuals who did not wish to participate in the trial. The findings shed light on a discrepancy between their freedom to act and make decisions and the limitations of having to act in a certain way. The participants found themselves in a gray area between a healthy life and a good life, as influenced by societal norms and taking responsibility for one's own health and rehabilitation. When including patients in rehabilitation after lung cancer, having insight into the underlying narrative on values and the good life, priorities in daily life, social context and the norms embedded in people's self-understanding is crucial.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Trials on Preoperative Physical Exercise Interventions in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Preoperative physical exercise protocols prior to cancer surgery increased in popularity over recent years; however, the beneficial effect of such protocols is not well established, with conflicting results reported. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of different modalities or combinations of preoperative exercise interventions and/or prehabilitation multicomponent training in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after surgery on the outcomes related to functional capacity, mental wellness and medical care. We searched in OVID Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. Characteristics of studies and program results and outcome data were extracted. Changes between the intervention and control groups, from baseline to follow-up (standardized mean difference (SMD) or relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for each intervention was pooled using weighted random-effects models). A total of 676 participants from 10 RCTs were included in the final analysis (aerobic training + inspiratory muscle training, n = 5; aerobic training + strength training + inspiratory muscle training, n = 2; aerobic training + strength training, n = 1; multicomponent training, n = 1; aerobic training alone, n = 1). The results showed intervention-induced improvement in walking endurance (SMD = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.44; I² = 0.0%), peak exercise capacity (SMD = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.21; I² = 76.7%), dyspnoea (SMD = −0.30; 95% CI, −0.51 to −0.10; I² = 0.0%), risk of hospitalization (SMD = −0.58; 95% CI, −0.97 to −0.20; I² = 70.7%), and postoperative pulmonary complications (relative risk (RR) = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.66; I² = 0.0%). For the functional capacity and medical care parameters, preoperative combined aerobic, resistance, and inspiratory muscle training was shown to be effective if comprising one to four weeks, performing 1–3 sessions per week, with moderate intensity (50% for endurance capacity). Further studies with larger samples and higher methodological quality are needed to clarify the potential benefits of preoperative exercise training for patients with NSCLC.

Practical approach to establishing pulmonary rehabilitation for people with non-COPD diagnoses

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a core aspect in the management of patients with chronic respiratory diseases. This paper describes a practical approach to establishing pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with non-COPD diagnoses using examples from the interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary hypertension (PH), bronchiectasis and lung cancer patient populations. Aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation, including the rationale, patient selection, setting of programmes, patient assessment and training components (both exercise and non-exercise aspects), are discussed for these patient groups. Whilst there are many similarities in the rationale and application of pulmonary rehabilitation across these non-COPD populations, there are also many subtle differences, which are discussed in detail in this paper. With consideration of these factors, pulmonary rehabilitation programmes can be adapted to facilitate the inclusion of respiratory patients with non-COPD diagnoses.

Impact of preoperative exercise therapy on surgical outcomes in lung cancer patients with or without COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

This meta-analysis aimed to demonstrate the impact of preoperative exercise therapy on surgical outcomes in patients with lung cancer and COPD. Pulmonary function and muscle capacity were investigated to explore their potential links with outcome improvements after exercise.

Methods

Articles were searched from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library with criteria of lung cancer patients with or without COPD, undergoing resection, and receiving preoperative exercise training. Key outcomes were analyzed using meta-analysis.

Results

Seven studies containing 404 participants were included. Patients receiving preoperative exercise training had a lower incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs; OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27-0.71) and shorter length of hospital stay (standardized mean difference -4.23 days, 95% CI -6.14 to -2.32 days). Exceptionally, pneumonia incidence remained unchanged. Patients with COPD could not obviously benefit from exercise training to reduce PPCs (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.18-1.08), but still might achieve faster recovery. No significant difference in pulmonary function was observed between the two groups. However, 6MWD and VO₂ peak were significantly improved after exercise training.

Conclusion

Preoperative exercise training may reduce PPCs for lung cancer patients. However, for patients with COPD undergoing lung cancer resection, the role of exercise is uncertain, due to limited data, which calls for more prospective trials on this topic. Rehabilitation exercise strengthens muscle capacity, but does not improve impaired pulmonary function, which emphasizes the possible mechanism of the protocol design.

Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life During Rehabilitation in Patients With Operable Lung Cancer: A Feasibility Study (PROLUCA)

INTRODUCTION

Surgical resection in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be associated with significant morbidity, functional limitations, and decreased quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

The objective is to present health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes over time before and 1 year after surgery in patients with NSCLC participating in a rehabilitation program.

METHODS

Forty patients with NSCLC in disease stage I to IIIa, referred for surgical resection at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery RT, Rigshospitalet, were included in the study. The rehabilitation program comprised supervised group exercise program, 2 hours weekly for 12 weeks, combined with individual counseling. The study endpoints were self-reported HRQoL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung, European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire-QLQ-C30, Short-Form-36) and self-reported distress, anxiety, depression, and social support (National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), measured presurgery, postintervention, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

Forty patients were included, 73% of whom completed rehabilitation. Results on emotional well-being ( P < .0001), global quality of life ( P = .0032), and mental health component score ( P = .0004) showed an overall statistically significant improvement during the study.

CONCLUSION

This feasibility study demonstrated that global quality of life, mental health, and emotional well-being improved significantly during the study, from time of diagnosis until 1 year after resection, in patients with NSCLC participating in rehabilitation.

Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on postoperative complications in patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Given the extent of the surgical indications for pulmonary lobectomy in breathless patients, preoperative care and evaluation of pulmonary function are increasingly necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for reducing the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

The records of 116 patients with COPD, including 51 patients who received PR, were retrospectively analyzed. Pulmonary function testing, including slow vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), was obtained preoperatively, after PR, and at one and six months postoperatively. The recovery rate of postoperative pulmonary function was standardized for functional loss associated with the different resected lung volumes. Propensity score analysis generated matched pairs of 31 patients divided into PR and non‐PR groups.

Results

The PR period was 18.7 ± 12.7 days in COPD patients. Preoperative pulmonary function was significantly improved after PR (VC 5.3%, FEV₁ 5.5%; P < 0.05). The FEV₁ recovery rate one month after surgery was significantly better in the PR (101.6%; P < 0.001) than in the non‐PR group (93.9%). In logistic regression analysis, predicted postoperative FEV₁, predicted postoperative %FEV₁, and PR were independent factors related to postoperative pulmonary complications after pulmonary lobectomy (odds ratio 18.9, 16.1, and 13.9, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

PR improved the recovery rate of pulmonary function after lobectomy in the early period, and may decrease postoperative pulmonary complications.

Perioperative Rehabilitation in Operable Lung Cancer Patients (PROLUCA): A Feasibility Study

Introduction Surgical resection in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be associated with significant morbidity, functional limitations, and decreased quality of life. Objectives The safety and feasibility of a preoperative and early postoperative rehabilitation program in patients operated for NSCLC was determined in a nonhospital setting, with focus on high-intensity interval exercise. Methods Forty patients with biopsy-proven NSCLC stages I to IIIa referred for surgical resection at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery RT, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups (3 intervention groups and 1 control group). The preoperative intervention consisted of a home-based exercise program, while the postoperative exercise program comprised a supervised group exercise program involving resistance and high-intensity interval cardiorespiratory exercise 2 hours weekly for 12 weeks combined with individual counseling. The study endpoints were inclusion rate, adherence, and number of adverse events. Results Forty patients (of 124 screened; 32%) were included and randomized into the 4 groups. The postoperative exercise was completed by 73% of the patients randomized to this intervention. No adverse events were observed, indicating that the early postoperative exercise program is safe. The preoperative home-based exercise program was not feasible due to interfering diagnostic procedures and fast-track surgery that left only 1 to 2 weeks between diagnosis and surgery. Conclusion The early postoperative exercise program for patients with NSCLC was safe and feasible, but in a fast-track set up, a preoperative home-based exercise program was not feasible for this population.

Perioperative physical exercise interventions for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery: What is the evidence?

Surgical resection appears to be the most effective treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Recent studies suggest that perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation improves functional capacity, reduces mortality and postoperative complications and enhances recovery and quality of life in operated patients. Our aim is to analyse and identify the most recent evidence-based physical exercise interventions, performed before or after surgery. We searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO. We included randomised controlled trials aimed at assessing efficacy of exercise-training programmes; physical therapy interventions had to be described in detail in order to be reproducible. Characteristics of studies and programmes, results and outcome data were extracted. Six studies were included, one describing preoperative rehabilitation and three assessing postoperative intervention. It seems that the best preoperative physical therapy training should include aerobic and strength training with a duration of 2–4 weeks. Although results showed improvement in exercise performance after preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation, it was not possible to identify the best preoperative intervention due to paucity of clinical trials in this area. Physical training programmes differed in every postoperative study with conflicting results, so comparison is difficult. Current literature shows inconsistent results regarding preoperative or postoperative physical exercise in patients undergoing lung resection. Even though few randomised trials were retrieved, treatment protocols were difficult to compare due to variability in design and implementation. Further studies with larger samples and better methodological quality are urgently needed to assess efficacy of both preoperative and postoperative exercise programmes.

Exercise intervention for patients diagnosed with operable non-small cell lung cancer: a qualitative longitudinal feasibility study

PURPOSE

The purpose was to explore operable lung cancer patient experiences with an exercise intervention from a longitudinal perspective according to patient motivation and patient perceived benefits and barriers of exercise.

METHODS

Nineteen patients enrolled in an exercise intervention 2 weeks post-surgery participated in qualitative interviews at three time points. A criteria sampling strategy was applied. Ricoeur's phenomenological hermeneutical philosophy inspired the analysis.

RESULTS

Patients initiated exercising median 15 days postoperative. Eight patients included in the interview study dropped out of the intervention due to side effects of chemotherapy (n = 3) and external circumstances (n = 5). The mean attendance rate for the eleven participants who completed the intervention was 82 %. No patients experienced severe adverse events. Motivation for participation included patients' expectations of physical benefits and the security of having professionals present. Patients experienced physical and emotional benefits and affirmed their social identity. Barriers were primarily related to side effects of chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The exercise intervention was undertaken safely by operable lung cancer patients initiated 2 weeks after surgery. The intervention put the patients on track to a healthier lifestyle regarding physical activity and smoking. The study indicates that exercise initiated early in the treatment trajectory is beneficial for operable lung cancer patients and especially for those who were physically active and motivated pre-illness and who did not experience side effect of treatment.