Quality of Life and Pulmonary Function after Lung Cancer Treatment: Systematic Review

Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its treatment has a significant impact on the physical and psychological well-being of patients, resulting in a reduction in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and pulmonary function. Objective: To provide a detailed assessment of the available literature on the impact of lung cancer treatment on the quality of life and functioning of patients. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using advanced searches in the databases The Cochrane Library Plus, PubMed, and Science Direct. The selected publications were thoroughly analyzed, and the PRISMA scale (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used to display the selection process. Results: A total of 51 articles were identified. Studies involving cancers other than lung cancer, or those that did not include questionnaires, spirometry tests, or the effects of physical exercise on patient outcomes, were subsequently excluded. After a full-text review, 11 articles met the previously defined criteria. This literature review reveals that, in most of the studies examined, the quality of life of lung cancer patients tends to decline after treatment, reflecting the physical, emotional, and social challenges they face throughout the process. Regarding lung function, the reviewed studies show that it deteriorates following treatment, resulting in a reduction in the patients’ respiratory capacity. Conclusion: Although the results provide evidence of the impact of lung cancer and its treatment on various aspects of life, further research with larger sample sizes is necessary to validate these findings.