Relationship between physical function and quality of life based on treatment timing in patients with advanced lung cancer

[Purpose] Rehabilitation can improve physical function and quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. However, relevant studies on advanced lung cancers are limited. Differences in physical function and symptoms based on the treatment phase should be considered. This study investigated the relationship between physical function and quality of life during the treatment phase in patients with advanced lung cancer. [Participants and Methods] Patients with stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer and postoperative recurrence who were hospitalized between May 2018 and October 2021 were selected. Data, including age, histological type of lung cancer, treatment details, functional independence measures, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30, were collected from medical records. Patients were categorized into groups based on the treatment phase: the initial, subsequent, and best supportive care (BSC) groups comprised patients admitted for initial treatment, receiving second or subsequent treatments, and receiving best supportive care, respectively. The relationship between physical function and quality of life during each treatment phase was examined. [Results] Physical function in the subsequent group was associated with physical functioning, role functioning, cognitive functioning, social functioning, and fatigue. Meanwhile, the BSC group had fewer associated items than the other groups. [Conclusion] Rehabilitation during the ongoing treatment phase improves physical function and quality of life.