Early prehabilitation in suspected locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer

Abstract

ObjectivesThe most common treatment for locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer is best supportive care. Patients with lung cancer are often comorbid with a high symptom burden. We wanted to assess whether early prehabilitation was feasible in patients with likely lung cancer.MethodsPatients were offered prehabilitation if they were attending the new patient respiratory clinic, had a CT scan suggesting stage III or IV lung cancer and undergoing further investigations. Patients receiving palliative care were ineligible. All prehabilitation patients were referred to a palliative medicine physician, registered dietitian and rehabilitation physiotherapist.Results50 patients underwent prehabilitation between June 2021 and August 2022. The median age was 72 years (range 54–89 years). 48 patients had lung cancer. 84% of patients attended all three interventions.Half of the palliative care consultations focused on pain. Half of the patients seen had a change in medication. 25% of patients’ weights were stable, 32% required a food-first strategy and 33% required oral nutritional supplements. 57% of patients discussed managing breathlessness with the physiotherapist.ConclusionsEarly prehabilitation is feasible alongside the investigation of locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer. Further work will aim to assess its impact on admission to the hospital, survival and treatment rates.