Feasibility of an outpatient-based pulmonary rehabilitation program for lung cancer patients during radiation therapy.

Purpose: Data are lacking regarding pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs in patients with lung cancer receiving radiation therapy. This study aimed to confirm the feasibility of an outpatient-based PR program in lung cancer patients during radiation therapy.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of 40 patients with lung cancer who had undergone radiation therapy between July and December 2019. The patients received an outpatient-based PR program for a total of eight sessions two times weekly comprising 60 min per session. Feasibility was assessed based on the completion rate, adverse events, and satisfaction with the PR program. Functional evaluations using 6-min walk and grip strength tests were conducted before and after PR. Patient quality of life was assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire before and after PR.

Results: The completion rate for the PR program was 72.5% among the 40 patients. No adverse events related to PR were reported. The overall satisfaction was 5.7 ± 1.1 on a seven-point Likert scale in all participants. The mean 6-min walk test distance increased significantly from 419.1 to 446.2 m. The improvement in grip strength in the dominant hand after PR was not significant. The social functioning score in the EORTC QLQ-C30 improved significantly.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed the feasibility without serious adverse effects of a 4-week outpatient-based PR program for lung cancer patients undergoing outpatient-based radiation therapy. This program might improve patient physical function and quality of life.