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Precision Exercise Effect on Fatigue and Function in Lung Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Cornelia M Ulrich1,2, Caroline Himbert1,2, Christopher A Barnes1,3
1Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah.
JAMA Surgery
|March 12, 2025
Summary
A personalized exercise program improved physical function in women and reduced fatigue in lung cancer patients undergoing surgery. This remote, clinic-aligned intervention offers a more accessible approach to perioperative care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Exercise interventions show promise for lung cancer surgery patients but are often resource-intensive and lack personalization.
- Current approaches may not adequately address physical function decline and fatigue post-surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a personalized, remotely monitored perioperative exercise program for lung cancer patients undergoing surgery.
- To determine if this intervention improves physical function and reduces fatigue compared to standard care.
Main Methods:
- The Precision-Exercise-Prescription (PEP) trial randomized 182 lung cancer patients (stages I-IIIa or oligometastatic) to a personalized home-based exercise program or standard care.
- The exercise group received remote physical therapist guidance starting 2 weeks pre-surgery and continuing post-surgery.
- Outcomes including the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and cancer-related fatigue were assessed at baseline and 2 months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- The exercise intervention group showed improved physical function (6MWT) compared to the standard care group, with significant benefits observed in women.
- Patients in the exercise group maintained stable fatigue levels, while the standard care group experienced deterioration.
- Greater improvements in physical function and fatigue were noted in specific subgroups, including women, younger patients, and those with overweight/obesity.
Conclusions:
- The PEP intervention, a personalized and remotely monitored perioperative exercise program, effectively improved physical function in women and reduced fatigue in lung cancer surgery patients.
- This approach offers a scalable and accessible alternative to traditional, resource-intensive exercise programs.
- Personalized, remote exercise interventions hold significant potential for enhancing recovery and quality of life in cancer patients.
