Optimizing treatment success in lung cancer: the role of functional testing

Lung cancer, a pervasive and lethal global disease, presents formidable challenges, particularly in advanced stages. The widely used Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Score (ECOG-PS) faces limitations due to subjectivity and reliance on outdated measures. Recognizing the significance of functional capacity, assessments like the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), stair climb test (SCT), and 30-second sit-to-stand test (STS) have emerged as vital predictors of outcomes for patients with lung cancer. Acknowledging ECOG-PS limitations, there is a demand for dynamic and objective functional capacity measures. Systematized functional testing not only establishes a baseline but facilitates tracking changes during and after treatment. Research indicates that performance in these tests correlates with enhanced outcomes and reduced complications. Integrating systematic functional testing before treatment provides a more objective measure than ECOG-PS, aiding in outcome predictions and serving as a foundation for personalized prehabilitation and rehabilitation interventions, potentially elevating treatment success and patient survival.