ABSTRACT
Introduction: Lung cancer symptoms and secondary effects of cancer treatments impact quality of life and induce patients to excessive rest and lack of physical activity resulting in severe deconditioning. Exercise has been shown to increase performance status, strength, endurance and reduce emotional issues in lung cancer patients. Despite these benefit this approach is a poorly utilized strategy and several barriers must be overcome due to limited data, lack of awareness of the benefits of exercise, and limited patient motivation. Several programs of adapted physical activity are developing to support lung cancer patients during oncological treatments, adopting a personalized approaches. Rowing programs have been reported in cancer survivors to reduce risk factors and the impact of treatments complications, particularly lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. A pioneering program of adapted physical activity was developed by a multidisciplinary team in collaboration with an association for the support of cancer patients (Sicilian Association for Oncological Support), using rowing in patients with active metastatic cancer, to evaluate feasibility, response of patients, and to increase awareness of the benefits of physical activity in the fight against lung cancer. Methods: The program was launched in December 2019 from the idea of a young world rowing champion, but the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of this project, which was subsequently developed from March 2021 to July 2021. The team was composed by oncologists, sports medicine specialists, two coaches specialised in adapted physical activity programs and a cardiologist. The voluntary logistic assistance was warranted by the rowing society “Canottieri Peloro”, which effectively allowed the project to be carried out, providing patients with equipment, a specialised team doctor and a well-equipped gym. In this preliminary experience we managed to include a small number of patients to assess the feasibility/validity of this approach and improve patients’ needs and satisfaction. Results: Four patients affected by metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutations joined the project (1 M/3 F;median age was 59.5, range 47-68;ECOG PS: 1). All patients presented well-controlled and mild symptoms related to the disease (cough, dyspnea, bone or chest pain) and were receiving active oncological treatments (first line EGFR-TKI: 2 patients;second line EGFR-TKI and maintenance chemotherapy). After a baseline clinical, oncological and cardiological evaluation personalized training program was developed. Briefly, indoor training and individual rowing sessions have been administered to patients. All patients reported full adherence to the training, developing a growing motivation and interest in improving physical performance. We did not recorded any worsening of symptoms or problems related to cancer treatments. The full contact with water and nature and the peculiar backwards motion of rowing had a positive impact on patients, that enjoyed the experience, reducing their anxiety for the future. Conclusions: This preliminary experience, previous developed as a support activity for lung cancer patients, might pave the way for further exploration of the role of rowing in this setting and promote a pivotal project to better define specific programs for metastatic cancer patients to improve compliance and response to cancer treatments. Keywords: Lung cancer, Adapted physical activity, Rowing
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The present analysis aims to evaluate the consequences of a 2-month interruption of mammographic screening on breast cancer (BC) stage at diagnosis and upfront treatments in a region of Northern Italy highly affected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. METHODS: This retrospective single-institution analysis compared the clinical pathological characteristics of BC diagnosed between May 2020 and July 2020, after a 2-month screening interruption, with BC diagnosed in the same trimester of 2019 when mammographic screening was regularly carried out. RESULTS: The 2-month stop in mammographic screening produced a significant decrease in in situ BC diagnosis (-10.4%) and an increase in node-positive (+11.2%) and stage III BC (+10.3%). A major impact was on the subgroup of patients with BC at high proliferation rates. Among these, the rate of node-positive BC increased by 18.5% and stage III by 11.4%. In the subgroup of patients with low proliferation rates, a 9.3% increase in stage III tumors was observed, although node-positive tumors remained stable. Despite screening interruption, procedures to establish a definitive diagnosis and treatment start were subsequently carried out without delay. CONCLUSION: Our data showed an increase in node-positive and stage III BC after a 2-month stop in BC screening. These findings support recommendations for a quick restoration of BC screening at full capacity, with adequate prioritization strategies to mitigate harm and meet infection prevention requirements.