Survivorship Challenges and Supportive Care in Lung Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• The population of lung cancer survivors is growing due to improved screening, early detection, and treatment modalities.
• Many lung cancer survivors experience persistent symptom burden and functional challenges, negatively impacting their health-related quality of life (HRQL).
• Addressing these challenges is crucial for the well-being of individuals living with and beyond a lung cancer diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize interventions aimed at improving the health-related quality of life (HRQL) for lung cancer survivors.
• To incorporate the cancer life course framework, examining interventions across different stages from diagnosis through survivorship.
• To identify evidence-based strategies addressing key HRQL challenges reported by survivors, including dyspnea, fatigue, and psychological distress.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a narrative review incorporating the cancer life course model.
• Reviewed clinical guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians regarding HRQL, symptom management, and supportive care in lung cancer.
• Identified and analyzed interventions from 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or pilot RCTs published in the last decade, involving 2,506 participants.

Main Results:

• Key HRQL challenges for lung cancer survivors include dyspnea, fatigue, sleep difficulties, fear/distress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and impaired physical/role function.
• Interventions reviewed encompass physical exercise and rehabilitation, cognitive-behavioral and psychological therapies, mind-body therapies, mindfulness-based interventions, and complementary therapies.
• These interventions have demonstrated potential in addressing the significant HRQL concerns of lung cancer survivors.

Conclusions:

• A range of interventions, including exercise, psychological therapies, and complementary approaches, can significantly enhance the health-related quality of life (HRQL) for lung cancer survivors.
• The findings have important implications for developing comprehensive survivorship care plans tailored to the evolving needs of this growing population.
• Further research and implementation of evidence-based strategies are essential to improve long-term outcomes and well-being for individuals affected by lung cancer.