Author of

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  MO22 - Advanced Disease and Outcomes (ID 103)

  • Event: WCLC 2013
  • Type: Mini Oral Abstract Session
  • Track: Surgery
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:T. Yano, J. Roth
  • Coordinates: 10/30/2013, 10:30 - 12:00, Parkside 110 A+B, Level 1

  • 12956

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    MO22.03 - Postoperative Rehabilitation and Follow-up - a randomized study. (ID 2422)

    10:40 - 10:45  |  Author(s): O. Dan Joergensen
    • Abstract
    • Presentation
    • Slides

    Background
    The importance of postoperative follow-up and rehabilitation after lung cancer surgery remains a controversial topic. Previous studies have showed that follow-up programs did not influence survival but at that time there was little focus on the effects of rehabilitation. Introduction of new diagnostic procedures, improvements in treatment modalities and increasing awareness on quality of life after treatment has changed guidelines and recommendations for follow-up programs. There is little evidence for these recommendations which prompted us to conduct a randomized study to evaluate the effect of an intense follow-up program on survival and quality of life for patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer (NSCLC).

    Methods
    Between January 2003 and April 2008 a total 197 NSCLC patients were included in the study after undergoing surgical resection (wedge, lobectomy or pneumonectomy) through a posterolateral thoracotomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy was offered to stage Ib - IIIa. Postoperatively patients were randomized to either active rehabilitation and follow-up (POREFU, N=103) or passive follow-up (Standard, N=94). Patients in the POREFU group had intensive follow-up in the form of annual clinical evaluation, chest X-ray, chest CT, bronchoscopy and EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound) for 5 years. In the POREFU group patients were also evaluated by a nurse and a physiotherapist after 6 weeks, 6 months and at annual controls. When indicated, interventions were established to correct patient symptoms. Patients in the standard treatment group were offered a chest X-ray one year after surgery and a clinical examination by their family doctors upon request. Quality of life in both groups was assessed after 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months and 2, 3, 4 and 5 years evaluating EORTC QLQ-C30/LC13. All survivors were followed for 5 years.

    Results
    Figure 1There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups (Kaplan Meier plot). There was a significant difference between the two groups in favour of active follow-up regarding Global health status as well as “Physical”, “Role” and “Emotional” functioning and POREFU patients had significant less pain and fatigue. There was no statistical significant improvement of other symptoms or functional issues.

    Conclusion
    This randomized trial shows that a follow-up program with an additional focus on rehabilitation and intervention towards reported symptoms in patients operated for NSCLC significantly improves quality of life but has no effect on overall survival.

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