Rowing Against Cancer: From a Support Project to a Research Program. Perspectives and Challenges of Rowing in Metastatic Lung Cancer Patients

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