Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2023

An untold story about living with low muscle mass and its impact throughout curative radiotherapy treatment for lung cancer (#211)

Nicole Kiss 1 , Anna Ugalde 2 , Carla Prado 3 , Linda Denehy 4 , Robin Daly 1 , Shankar Siva 5 , David Ball 5 , Andrew Wirth 5 , Greg Wheeler 5 , Steve Fraser 1 , Lara Edbrooke 4
  1. Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
  2. Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
  3. Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutrition Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
  4. Physiotherapy Department, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  5. Lung Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Malbourne, Victoria, Australia

Aim

Low muscle mass (LMM) affects up to 61% of people with lung cancer prior to chemo-radiotherapy. This study aimed to explore the experience of undergoing treatment while living with LMM or muscle loss on ability to cope with treatment, complete self-care, receptiveness and preferences for nutrition and exercise intervention.

Methods

This study utilised a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews. Participants included people with a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), treated with curative intent chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) or radiotherapy, and who presented with computed tomography defined LMM at treatment commencement or experienced loss of muscle mass over the duration of treatment. Recruitment occurred at three tertiary hospitals with radiotherapy centres. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed with thematic analysis.

Results

Seventeen participants have been involved in the study. The mean age was 72 years (range 58 – 90 years), the majority were male (N=10, 59%), had NSCLC (N=13, 76%) and were treated with CRT (N=13, 76%). Three themes were identified: 1) Patient experience; 2) Self-management; and 3) Impact and influence of extrinsic factors. Although patient experience varied, participants reported substantial impact on day-to-day functioning, eating, and ability to be physically active. Participants were aware of the importance of nutrition and exercise and engaged in self-initiated or health professional supported self-management strategies to cope with their situation. Early provision of nutrition and exercise advice, guidance from health professionals and support from family and friends were valued, albeit with a need for consideration of individual circumstances.

Conclusion

Participants described a diverse range of experiences and ability to cope with treatment. The types of support required were highly individual, highlighting the crucial role of personalised identification of needs and subsequent intervention. The impact of low muscle mass and muscle loss requires further consideration within clinical practice.