Introduction Treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may negatively impact physical performance. 

Aim To compare physical functioning and physical activity (PA) of patients with early (I-IIIA) and advanced (IIIB-IV) stage NSCLC 3 months after treatment initiation with healthy peers.

Methods 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), 1-minute sit-to-stand (1MSTS), 4 meter gait speed (4MGS), quadriceps force (QF) and handgrip force (HGF) were assessed. PA was objectively measured for 1 week, retrieving daily steps and time in light-to-vigorous intense (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous intense PA (MVPA). Unpaired T-tests were used to compare groups.

Results 42 NSCLC patients (67% male, age 65±8y, early stage n=27, advanced stage n=15) 100±23 days after treatment initiation and 18 healthy peers (44% male, age 67±10y) were included. Treatment (ongoing in advanced stage) was 1) VATS; 2) chemo-/radio-/immunotherapy or 3) a combination. In patients with early stage NSCLC, 1MSTS (%pred) and QF (%pred) was significantly lower compared to healthy peers. Both patient groups showed significantly lower 6MWD (%pred), 4MGS, daily steps and time in LPA and MVPA compared to healthy peers (Fig. 1). HGF did not significantly differ.

Conclusion 3 months after treatment initiation, physical performance was lower in patients with NSCLC as compared to healthy peers. This decrease was more pronounced in early stage NSCLC.