Can exercise improve chemotherapy symptoms in patients with lung cancer?

This article looked at the effectiveness of exercise in improving physical and mental outcomes in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy (CT). The authors found that supervised exercise improved strength, lung function, and quality of life (QoL) in these patients.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Despite treatment options existing, the prognosis is often poor. Patients experience weakness, decreased QoL, and depression as a result of the cancer and its treatment. Over half of all patients diagnosed with LC undergo treatment with CT. CT can result in side effects such as weight loss, weakness, shortness of breath, as well as depression, anxiety, and pain. 

Exercise is recommended for patients with lung cancer during CT. Previous studies have shown that exercise can reduce the risk of treatment complications and hospitalization in patients with lung cancer. However, the effects of exercise on the psychological and physical well-being of patients with lung cancer undergoing CT are still unknown. 

This study looked at 6 studies that included 244 patients undergoing treatments for lung cancer. Patients underwent either exercise interventions or no exercise. Exercises included aerobic, strength exercise, stretching, and relaxation. 

Patients who did exercise during treatment had increased strength, better lung function, and an improved quality of life. Pain was decreased in patients in the exercise group. Mood and depression were also improved in patients who exercised. 

Participation in 5 or more exercise sessions a week with moderate to high-intensity training was found to be beneficial. 

3 studies looked at the side effects of exercise. One study reported 3 side effects for the exercise group while the remaining studies did not find any side effects from the exercise. 

The authors concluded that supervised exercise improved lung function, strength, quality of life and decreased depression and pain during CT in patients with lung cancer. 

Most of the studies had a small number of participants and a short follow-up period. Further controlled studies are needed.