Effects of exercise training on exercise capacity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving targeted therapy

Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) is an important predictive factor for long-term prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether 8 weeks of exercise training improves exercise capacity, as assessed by VO2peak, and other related factors in patients with NSCLC receiving targeted therapy. A total of 24 participants with adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 11) or the exercise group (n = 13). Subjects in the exercise group participated in individualized, high-intensity aerobic interval training of exercise. The outcome measures assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks were as follows: VO2peak and the percentage of predicted VO2peak (%predVO(2peak)), muscle strength and endurance of the right quadriceps, muscle oxygenation during exercise, insulin resistance as calculated by the homeostasis model, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and quality of life (QoL) questionnaire inventory. No exercise-related adverse events were reported. After exercise training, VO2peak and %predVO(2peak) increased by 1.6 mL kg(-1) min(-1) and 5.3% (p < 0.005), respectively; these changes were associated with improvements in circulatory, respiratory, and muscular functions at peak exercise (all p = 0.001). The exercise group also had less dyspnea (p = 0.01) and favorably lower fatigue (p = 0.05) than baseline. Patients with NSCLC receiving targeted therapy have quite a low exercise capacity, even with a relatively high QoL. Exercise training appears to improve exercise capacity and alleviate some cancer-related symptoms.