2129P - Feasibility of a virtual exercise program to mitigate decline in physical function for advanced lung cancer patients

Background

Exercise in cancer patients can mitigate declines in physical and psychosocial function. However, low recruitment and retention for in-person exercise programs limit evidence-based program development for patients with advanced lung cancer. The study of a virtual intervention, that leverages on the emerging acceptance of virtual healthcare delivery, has the potential to overcome barriers of prior exercise studies.

Methods

Mitigation of decline with Virtual Exercise with Lung Cancer is an ongoing prospective single-arm feasibility study. Individuals with advanced lung cancer on systemic therapy were recruited to a 12-week virtual group exercise program, including aerobic and functional strength exercises, delivered twice weekly over Zoom by an exercise physiologist. Feasibility measures included accrual, attendance, exercise adherence, attrition, and adverse events. Efficacy measures and quality of life (QoL) were assessed at start and end of program. Patient demographics, treatment, and outcomes were collected via electronic medical records.

Results

Of 44 patients referred, 30 were eligible and enrolled, of which, 3 were lost to follow up, 1 withdrew, 16 completed and 10 continue to participate in the program. Baseline demographics of 26 active participants: median age 65.5 years old (range 39 – 88), female (n=12), ECOG 0/1 (n=24), adenocarcinoma (n=21), metastasis to brain (n=9), liver (n=4), bone (n=7), and on targeted therapy (n=19). Total attendance is 87% and adherence is 96%. Of those who completed the program, statistically significant changes in physical function were identified by the 6 minute walk test (median improvement of 147 meters p = 0.046), gait speed (p = 0.030), sit to stand (p = 0.004), and biceps curl repetitions (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found in QoL using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) and -Fatigue (FACT-F) questionnaires. Participants found the program to be accessible and were very likely to recommend this program to a friend.

Conclusions

Preliminary results suggest that a virtual exercise program for patients with advanced lung cancer is feasible, with high attendance and adherence, and significant improvements in physical function.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Y. Wang, K. Campbell.

Funding

BC Lung Foundation, BC Cancer Foundation.

Disclosure

Y. Wang: Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Board: BMS, AstraZeneca, Merck, Takeda; Financial Interests, Institutional, Research Grant: AZ. P. Camp: Financial Interests, Other, Personal, Conducted evaluation: Carrier Sekani Family Services. Financial Interests, Coordinating PI, Institutional, Receive funding for operational and team grants: Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Financial Interests, Coordinating PI, Institutional, Receive funding for operating grants: BC Lung Foundation. J. Laskin: Financial Interests, Advisory Board, Personal, invited speaker: Roche Canada. Financial Interests, Invited Speaker, Personal, speaker at educational event: Pfizer. Financial Interests, Advisory Board, Personal, invited to national ad board: Takeda. Financial Interests, Research Grant, Institutional, Funding for a IIT: Roche Canada. K. Campbell: Financial Interests, Personal, Stocks/Shares: Abcellera; Financial Interests, Personal, Speaker, Consultant, Advisor: Pfizer Canada. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.