A Pilot Study of Early Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Following Thoracic Surgery for Lung Cancer
The research question is to investigate
- whether patients who have undergone curative surgical resection for lung cancer benefit
from 8 weeks of early outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (started within 2 weeks of
hospital discharge).
- to identify potential barriers to this approach
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is the most effective non-pharmacological treatment for
patients with chronic respiratory diseases, especially COPD. Many patients with lung cancer
have co-existing smoking-related lung disorders such as COPD. To date there have been no
randomised controlled trials of PR in post-resection lung cancer survivors. However there is
indirect evidence that PR may be of benefit in this patient cohort. Cesario et al
(2007)reported a 32% improvement in exercise capacity with in-patient PR, and Spruit et al
(2009) demonstrated a 43% improvement in six minute walk distance following an 8-week
in-patient PR programme. However, both studies had small numbers, and no randomised control
group. Furthermore, inpatient PR is not an economically justifiable intervention in the NHS
where emphasis is on self-management and ambulatory care.
Interventional
Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment
Six minute walk test to assess exercise tolerance
Within 3 month of discharge from surgery
Yes
Sarah Elkin, FRCP
Principal Investigator
Imperial College Healthcare Trust
United Kingdom: National Health Service
JROSM0090
NCT01246297
October 2010
November 2011
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