Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of Respiratory Rehabilitation on Quality of Life in Patients With Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy in the Maintenance Phase

This study explores how a special breathing exercise programme, called respiratory rehabilitation, might improve the lives of people with advanced lung cancer. These patients are currently receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy to manage their condition. While lung cancer is common and many people are diagnosed with advanced stages, we don't fully understand how much these breathing exercises can help improve their quality of life. Rehabilitation aims to reduce symptoms, boost physical ability, and help people live more independently. This research compares patients doing these exercises with those receiving standard care, to see if the programme genuinely makes a difference to how they feel day-to-day. It focuses on non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Brest

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2029

Cancer

What is this study about?

Lung cancer is a serious illness, and unfortunately, many people are diagnosed when the cancer is already quite advanced. In these cases, surgery isn't usually an option, and treatment focuses on managing the disease and improving how you feel. Because lung cancer often makes it harder to breathe, scientists are very interested in finding ways to help patients with these symptoms.

This study is looking into something called 'respiratory rehabilitation'. Think of it as a tailored exercise programme specifically designed to help your lungs and improve your breathing. It's often used for other lung conditions to help people feel better, be more active, and improve their overall quality of life. However, we don't know as much about how effective it is for people with advanced lung cancer who are already undergoing intensive treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The main goal of this particular study is to find out if taking part in a respiratory rehabilitation programme can really make a difference to the daily life and well-being of people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. They will compare a group doing the exercises with another group receiving their usual care, to see if the rehabilitation leads to improvements in how patients feel, their independence, and their overall quality of life. This research could help doctors understand how best to support patients with advanced lung cancer.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates breathing exercises for advanced lung cancer.
It aims to improve quality of life for patients on immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Compares rehabilitation to standard care to see if it makes a difference.
Focuses on non-small cell lung cancer patients aged 18+.
Findings could help provide better support for patients in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to have a specific type of advanced lung cancer called 'non-small cell lung cancer' that has spread in your body (stage IV). You must also be currently receiving maintenance chemotherapy (specifically Alimta if you have adenocarcinoma) combined with immunotherapy, or immunotherapy alone (Pembrolizumab for squamous cell carcinoma). You need to be at least 18 years old and generally well enough to take part in the rehabilitation, with a good feeling of energy (called a performance status of 0 or 1).

There are also some health checks to make sure you're safe to join. Your liver, kidneys, and blood need to be working well, as shown by recent tests. You shouldn't have any medical conditions, like bone problems or certain infections, that would prevent you from doing the breathing exercises or make it unsafe. You also shouldn't have had major surgery recently, or be pregnant or breastfeeding.

Basically, the study is looking for adults with a specific stage and type of lung cancer who are already on a particular combination of treatments and are well enough to safely participate in a special breathing exercise programme.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I have advanced non-small cell lung cancer (stage IV).
I'm currently receiving maintenance chemotherapy/immunotherapy.
I am at least 18 years old.
I feel generally well and have good energy levels (performance status 0 or 1).
I have no other major health issues that would stop me from exercising.
I am not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will either take part in a special breathing exercise programme (respiratory rehabilitation) or continue with your usual medical care. The study aims to see how patients in the rehabilitation group compare to those in the usual care group. You would attend regular sessions for the rehabilitation, which will involve supervised exercises designed to improve your breathing and physical fitness. Throughout the study, you will have various assessments, which might include questionnaires about your quality of life, physical tests, and possibly some medical check-ups. You will receive either the rehabilitation or standard care, and will continue your ongoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy as prescribed by your doctor. The total duration of your participation in the study, including the rehabilitation and follow-up, will be explained by the study team, but it's designed to see the effects over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has possible benefits and risks. You might find that the respiratory rehabilitation programme improves your breathing, helps you feel stronger, and enhances your overall quality of life. However, as with any exercise programme, there’s a small risk of feeling tired or experiencing minor discomfort during sessions. The study will carefully monitor your health to ensure your safety. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (3)

CHU Brest
Verified postcode
Brest, France
CH Morlaix
Verified postcode
Morlaix, France
CH Cornouaille
Verified postcode
Quimper, France

Common questions

What is 'respiratory rehabilitation'?

It's a special exercise programme designed to improve your breathing, strength, and overall well-being, especially if you have lung problems.

Why are they studying this for lung cancer patients?

Doctors want to see if these breathing exercises can help improve the quality of life and physical ability for people with advanced lung cancer.

Will I have to stop my current cancer treatment?

No, you will continue with your ongoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy as planned by your doctor. This study looks at adding rehabilitation alongside your existing treatment.

How long would I be in the study if I participate?

The study aims to observe the effects over time, and the research team will explain the specific duration of your involvement, including the rehabilitation period and any follow-up.

Could this help me feel better day-to-day?

That's exactly what the study aims to find out. Many people with other lung conditions find respiratory rehabilitation helpful for reducing symptoms and improving their quality of life, and doctors hope it could do the same for advanced lung cancer patients.

How to find out more

Florence Jacquemine Péguet-Ménard

jacquemine.menard@chu-brest.fr 06.23.25.64.50 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.