Effects of exercise training on exercise capacity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving targeted therapy

Purpose

Peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak) is an important predictive factor for long-term prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether 8 weeks of exercise training improves exercise capacity, as assessed by VO_2peak, and other related factors in patients with NSCLC receiving targeted therapy.

Methods

A total of 24 participants with adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned to either the control group (n?=?11) or the exercise group (n?=?13). Subjects in the exercise group participated in individualized, high-intensity aerobic interval training of exercise. The outcome measures assessed at baseline and after 8?weeks were as follows: VO_2peak and the percentage of predicted VO_2peak (%predVO_2peak), muscle strength and endurance of the right quadriceps, muscle oxygenation during exercise, insulin resistance as calculated by the homeostasis model, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and quality of life (QoL) questionnaire inventory.

Results

No exercise-related adverse events were reported. After exercise training, VO_2peak and %predVO_2peak increased by 1.6?mL?kg^?1?min^?1 and 5.3% (p?p?=?0.001). The exercise group also had less dyspnea (p?=?0.01) and favorably lower fatigue (p?=?0.05) than baseline.

Conclusions

Patients with NSCLC receiving targeted therapy have quite a low exercise capacity, even with a relatively high QoL. Exercise training appears to improve exercise capacity and alleviate some cancer-related symptoms.