Comparison of exercise capacity and health-related quality of life according to stages in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare exercise capacity and health-related quality of life parameters according to stages in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Material and Method: Fifty-two patients with less than and equal to stage II (Group 1, n=17) and greater than stage II NSCLC (Group 2, n=35) were included. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Exercise capacity (6 minute walking test), strength of the back and legs (Back and Leg Dynamometer), performance status (Karnofsky performance status scale), health-related quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life measure and Short Form-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), severity of dyspnea (Medical Research Council Scale) were evaluated.Results: No difference was found in age, body mass index and pulmonary symptoms between two groups compared with patients with less than stage II group and greater than stage II group (p>0.05). The distribution of respiratory symptoms and disease cell types were similar in both groups (p>0.05). In Group 2, FEV1, FVC and PEF, peripheral muscle strength, walking distance and health-related quality of life scores especially the category of functional capacity and pain were established significantly lower according to Group 1 (p?0.05). Depression and anxiety levels were comfirmed similar between two groups (p>0.05).Conclusion: In patients with greater than stage II NSCLC, exercise capacity was decreased especially because of lower the respiratory functions and peripheral muscle strength according to less than and equal to stage II group. Reduced exercise capacity affected especially functional level of health related quality of life categories of these patients.Keywords: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Exercise Capacity, Health-Related Quality of Life