The impact of lung surgery, with or without (neo-)adjuvant therapy, on physical functioning in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer: a scoping review.

Background: Patients with early stage (I-IIIA) nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are typically treated via surgery, often accompanied by (neo-)adjuvant therapy. These interventions impose a significant burden on patients and potentially impact their physical functioning (PF). The impact on PF remains uncertain and existing evidence has not yet been systematically outlined.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to synthesise evidence concerning the effects of lung surgery, with or without (neo-)adjuvant therapy, on the PF of patients with NSCLC.

Methods: PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were systematically searched from inception until 1 July 2023. A comprehensive framework based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health was used to define various aspects of PF. Longitudinal studies, reporting PF prior to and after NSCLC treatment, and cross-sectional studies reporting PF after treatment were included.

Results: 85 included studies assessed the effects of surgery with (n=7) or without (n=78) (neo-) adjuvant therapy on body function (n=29), activity (n=67) and/or participation (n=15). 98% of reported outcomes within the longitudinal studies indicate a decline in PF, with 52% demonstrating significant deteriorations, with follow-up times ranging from immediately post-operative up to 1 year after treatment. Cross-sectional studies show impaired PF in 71% of reported outcomes.

Conclusion: PF of patients with NSCLC tends to deteriorate following lung surgery, irrespective of additional (neo-)adjuvant therapy. While the negative impact of lung surgery on ICF categories of "body function" and "activity" have been described to some depth, insights into the impact on "participation" are lacking.