Physical Fitness in Ambulatory Patients with Chronic Lymphoid Malignancies Receiving Monoclonal Antibody-Based...

Introduction: Hematologic malignancies account for a significant proportion of the global cancer burden. Immunotherapy is currently one of the key treatment modalities used in the management of these diseases. Objective: This study aimed to assess the physical fitness of patients with chronic lymphoid malignancies receiving monoclonal antibody-based therapy compared with healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: The study included 99 ambulatory patients being treated for hematologic malignancies-33 with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 32 with multiple myeloma, and 34 with follicular lymphoma-as well as 43 healthy individuals. All participants underwent the Two-Minute Step Test, the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, and the Timed Up and Go Test. Results: Patients with hematologic malignancies, regardless of diagnosis, were characterized by significantly lower lower-limb strength (H(3, N = 142) = 24.779, p < 0.0001), as well as poorer agility and dynamic balance (H(3, N = 142) = 24.993, p < 0.0001). Patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma and follicular lymphoma also exhibited lower cardiorespiratory endurance (H(3, N = 142) = 13.223, p = 0.0042). Age was a significant predictor of physical fitness. However, in an analysis treating diagnosis as a categorical variable with the control group as the reference category, patients with hematologic malignancies also had significantly lower physical fitness scores than controls. Conclusions: Patients with chronic lymphoid malignancies receiving monoclonal antibody-based therapy exhibit reduced physical fitness regardless of hematologic diagnosis. Patient age is an additional factor associated with physical fitness.