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. 2020 Dec:156:103086.
doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103086. Epub 2020 Sep 13.

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

Caroline Himbert  1 , Nicole Klossner  2 , Adriana M Coletta  3 , Christopher A Barnes  4 , Joachim Wiskemann  5 , Paul C LaStayo  6 , Thomas K Varghese Jr  7 , Cornelia M Ulrich  8
Affiliations

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

Caroline Himbert et al. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Cancer; Exercise; Oncology; Thoracic surgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

C.M.U. has as cancer center director oversight over research funded by several pharmaceutical companies, but has not received funding directly herself.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) flow diagram (26).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Benefits of exercise as part of pre- and rehabilitation in the lung cancer care continuum.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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