Assessment of Respiratory Parameters and Physical Performance in Patients With Lung Cancer Qualified for Oncological Treatment Before and During Therapy, With Special Consideration of Cardiovascular Risk: A Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Study
Patients with lung cancer often have reduced physical fitness and coexisting health problems, which may limit their ability to tolerate oncological treatment. Standard resting lung and heart tests do not always reflect real-life physical capacity during everyday activities or physical effort. This observational study aims to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with lung cancer before and during standard oncological treatment using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). CPET is a safe, supervised exercise test that provides objective information on how the heart, lungs, and muscles respond to physical effort. Participants with WHO/ECOG performance status 0-2 will undergo CPET before treatment initiation and again after the early phase of therapy or surgery. The results may help identify patients with reduced physiological reserve and support individualized monitoring during routine clinical care.
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Histologically confirmed lung cancer (any stage)
• Qualified for standard oncological management (surgery and/or systemic therapy)
• WHO/ECOG performance status 0-2
• Ability to perform cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)
• Written informed consent