Pooled analysis of eight randomized trials involving 749 advanced lung cancer patients demonstrates that structured exercise interventions produce a standardized mean difference of -0.33 in cancer-related fatigue scores, representing a clinically meaningful improvement with zero heterogeneity across studies. This represents the first robust meta-analytic evidence quantifying exercise benefits specifically in advanced-stage disease.
The finding fills a critical gap in oncology care, where exercise recommendations have historically focused on early-stage patients or those in active treatment. Advanced lung cancer presents unique challenges—severe fatigue affects up to 90% of patients and profoundly impacts quality of life and treatment tolerance. Previous exercise research concentrated on curative-intent populations, leaving clinicians uncertain about prescribing physical activity for terminal patients. This evidence suggests exercise remains beneficial even in advanced disease, potentially improving symptom management and functional capacity when patients need it most. However, the analysis doesn't specify optimal exercise modalities, duration, or intensity for this vulnerable population. The zero heterogeneity suggests consistent benefits across different exercise approaches, but individual trials likely involved carefully selected participants who could tolerate intervention protocols, potentially limiting generalizability to the broader advanced lung cancer population.