WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-PT2.15.04 Impact of Physical Exercise on Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer

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This quasi-experimental study evaluated the impact of a supervised physical exercise program on quality of life (QOL), treatment-related symptoms, and emotional status in 10 patients with advanced lung cancer (mean age 68). The 10-week intervention involved twice-weekly, 60-minute supervised aerobic and strength training sessions, conducted by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, nutritionists, nurses, and exercise specialists.<br /><br />Adherence to the exercise program was high at 71%, indicating good patient acceptance. Using validated instruments—the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC29 for QOL and lung cancer symptoms, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for emotional status—the study found significant improvements post-intervention in global health status (p=0.0395) and emotional functioning (p=0.0135). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in anxiety levels (p=0.044), though depression scores did not show significant change. Importantly, no significant improvements were found in lung cancer-specific symptoms, which the authors attribute to symptom heterogeneity and the relatively short duration of the intervention.<br /><br />These findings align with previous research demonstrating psychological and global QOL benefits from exercise in lung cancer patients, supporting the incorporation of supervised physical exercise programs into comprehensive, non-pharmacological care strategies for this population. However, the study notes the need for larger, controlled trials to better define optimal exercise dose, intensity, and modalities tailored for advanced-stage lung cancer patients.<br /><br />In summary, a supervised exercise program is feasible and beneficial for emotional well-being and overall QOL in advanced lung cancer, though its effects on disease-specific symptoms require further investigation. This study underlines the value of including physical exercise as a supportive care component to enhance psychological health and functioning in this patient group.

Asset Subtitle

Ana López Martín

Meta Tag

Speaker Ana López Martín

Topic Multidisciplinary Care: Nursing, Allied Health and Palliative Care

Keywords

quasi-experimental study

supervised physical exercise

advanced lung cancer

quality of life

treatment-related symptoms

emotional status

aerobic and strength training

patient adherence

anxiety reduction

psychological health