Discussion
dyspnea, posttreatment cancer, cancer, lung cancer, Lung Cancer
LUNG CANCER, CANCER, TREATMENT ADVERSE EFFECTS, LUNG CANCER
In this pilot trial, we found that IMT + walking with behavioral support, compared to education only, was feasible, acceptable, safe, and could disrupt a “dyspnea-inactivity” spiral and improve HRQL among lung cancer survivors following curative intent therapy. These findings have important implications in efforts to reduce dyspnea and improve HRQL with this population.The US National Academy of Medicine recommends that care for posttreatment cancer survivors include supportive services to reduce treatment adverse effects and promote health [Conceptual Model of the Vicious Cycle of “Dyspnea-Inactivity” Downward Health Spiral Following Curative Intent Therapy of Lung Cancer. Our trial supports the vicious cycle of “dyspnea-inactivity” conceptual model and the promise of IMT + walking as a targeted rehabilitative strategy for lung cancer survivors following curative intent therapy. In a small sample, we found that IMT + walking at 1–6 months posttreatment could reduce symptom burden, mitigate the negative impact of symptoms on social functioning and psychological disturbances, and improve HRQL. These potential benefits appeared to be sustained, possibly due to an behavioral support component informed by strong evidence derived from general adult population [Feasibility was high regarding participant adherence to tele-visits, unsupervised IMT + walking, completion of activity logs and PCOMs, and retention. Enrollment was challenging, although comparable to other exercise trials in cancer [