Perioperative Rehabilitation in Operable Lung Cancer Patients (PROLUCA): A Feasibility Study. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sommer, Maja S.; Trier, Karen; Vibe-Petersen, Jette; Missel, Malene; Christensen, Merete; Larsen, Klaus R.; Langer, Seppo W.; Hendriksen, Carsten; Clementsen, Paul Frost; Pedersen, Jesper H.; Langberg, Henning
• Is Part Of: Integrative cancer therapies. Volume 15:Number 4(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 455
• Page End: 466
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: lung cancer -- exercise -- rehabilitation -- NSCLC -- perioperative intervention; Cancer -- Alternative treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1177/1534735416635741
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-7354

Abstract

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.