Symptom Burden in Lung Cancer: Management Updates

Abstract

Lung cancer is recognized to carry a high symptom burden with associated lowered quality of life as compared with other cancers. Research has shown that symptom severity can be a prognostic indicator of poorer clinical outcomes and survival post treatment. The purpose of this paper is to review current literature relative to symptom burden associated with diagnosis, medical and/or surgical intervention, assessment and management updates, and emerging initiatives that promote positive outcomes based on updated evidence. Discussion relative to interdisciplinary coordination of supportive services and palliative care initiation is provided.

Risk Factors of Inability to Exist Independently Among Patients With Lung Cancer

“…Persons with a nal certi cate of the inability to an independent existence had signi cantly lower results than those who did not receive such a certi cate. This con rms that functional performance is an important factor in in uencing every day of life of patients with lung cancer [13]. It should also be remembered that despite the advancement in the detection of lung cancer, the possibility of an accurate histopathological diagnosis and access to a wide range of treatments for this cancer, many patients still develop advanced, incurable forms that ultimately lead to death [31] and along the way, at some stage of the disease, often lead to an inability to exist independently.…”

“…In the literature we can nd a variety of works that focus on preventing lung cancer [4][5][6][7] and on implications for early detection [8][9]. It is a cancer that causes signi cant suffering among patients, both physical [10][11][12][13] and mental [14][15][16][17]. Many articles describe what treatment and which factors are responsible for extending life [18][19][20] and improving quality of life [21][22][23][24].…”

Physical activity for people with lung cancer

“…Higher levels of disease burden and distress associated with poorly managed symptoms are reported by more people with lung cancer than by any other tumour stream. Symptom severity is a prognostic indicator in lung cancer, with increased distress, 22 fatigue and dyspnoea 23 predictive of poorer prognosis. Symptom management has important implications for improving other outcomes in this population, including physical function and HRQoL, where uncontrolled symptoms may contribute to people reducing their physical activity levels or avoiding certain activities for fear of exacerbating symptoms.…”

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Clinical Implications for Patients With Lung Cancer

“…The twofold burden of COPD alongside lung cancer can affect dyspnea, fatigue, and psychological distress, three of these patients’ most common and troubling symptoms (Lehto, 2016). If these factors are anticipated and addressed adequately, the QOL of these patients and their families can be enhanced.…”

“…Dyspnea, functional decline, and pulmonary cachexia (unintentional and irreversible weight loss)—all associated with COPD—can heavily affect a patient’s outcome, independent of the effects of lung cancer disease and treatment (Lehto, 2016; Schols, 2002). With a reported prevalence of 40%–70% in patients with lung cancer (Loganathan, Stover, Shi, & Venkatraman, 2006; Soubeyran et al, 2012; Young et al, 2009), COPD is a common comorbidity that oncology clinicians should carefully consider when developing lung cancer treatment plans.…”