About the benefits of physical therapy during antitumor therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: The data available today show the positive impact of increased physical activity on the patient’s condition, helping not only to improve physical health, but also psycho-emotional state, reducing stress and anxiety. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs can significantly improve the overall well-being of cancer patients and contribute to their return to an active social life.

AIM: To study the effect of increased physical activity in the form of physical therapy on the overall result of antitumor treatment, the level of quality of life of patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving immunotherapy both alone and in combination with cytostatics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 56 patients who were divided into two groups: main (n=30) and control (n=26). The study included patients with ECOG status 1–3. In both groups, patients received standard antitumor therapy ― immunotherapy with pembrolizumab 400 mg every 42 days or 200 mg every 21 days as monotherapy, or in combination with cytotoxic therapy (carboplatin plus paclitaxel or pemetrexed). In addition to drug treatment, patients from the main group also regularly engaged in therapeutic exercises with an instructor.

RESULTS: From the presented data and visualization it is clear that after treatment with the addition of physical education, the average level of quality of life in patients increased, the results highlight the significant positive impact of the rehabilitation program on the quality of life of cancer patients, reducing stress levels and improving functional indicators.

CONCLUSION: The study shows that regular practice of therapeutic exercises can improve stress levels and improve emotional well-being, help reduce fatigue and reduce general weakness. A reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety has been clearly demonstrated. Exercise therapy leads to increased muscle strength, which is especially important for recovery from intensive cancer treatments.