NCT07104630 · Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Advanced Lung Cancer Survivors
What this study is about
This study is for people who have previously been diagnosed with advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Many people with advanced stage NSCLC have trouble breathing and feel tired. People may be eligible for this study if they have advanced stage NSCLC and feel short of breath some of the time. NSCLC survivors may also experience things like fatigue and a lower quality of life.
View original scientific description
This study is for people who have previously been diagnosed with advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Many people with advanced stage NSCLC have trouble breathing and feel tired. People may be eligible for this study if they have advanced stage NSCLC and feel short of breath some of the time. NSCLC survivors may also experience things like fatigue and a lower quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a type of supportive treatment that may improve these symptoms. This study has two parts. The first part is a randomized trial where half of the participants receive eight weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation. The other half of participants do not do pulmonary rehabilitation and instead receive the treatment that their doctors would normally recommend. The purpose of this part of the research study is to understand if pulmonary rehabilitation can help people with advanced stage NSCLC have better functioning and less shortness of breath. The other part of the research study is an interview study. The purpose of doing interviews is to understand any challenges or obstacles that people with advanced stage NSCLC may have regarding pulmonary rehabilitation, as well as oncology care providers have with their participants going to pulmonary rehabilitation.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participants must have histologically confirmed NSCLC, Stages III or IV treated with palliative intent
- Adults ≥ 18 years of age
- ECOG performance status ≤ 3
- Clinical stability: defined as no clinical/radiographic progression within the last three months
- Self-reported dyspnea, defined as score ≥ 2 on the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale
- Participants must be fluent in written and spoken English
Exclusion criteria
- Participants being treated with curative intent for locally advanced NSCLC or oligometastatic NSCLC with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation will be excluded
- Participants have evidence of clinical and/or radiographic progression
- Mental impairment leading to inability to complete study requirements
- High risk of fracture or spine instability (Mirels score ≥7 or SINS ≥7)
- Any of the following cardiac exclusion criteria:
- Class II, III or IV heart failure as defined by the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification system
- History of acute coronary syndromes (including myocardial infarction and unstable angina), coronary angioplasty or stenting within the past 6 months prior to the start of radiation therapy
- Uncontrolled arrhythmias; individuals with rate-controlled atrial fibrillation for \> 1 month prior to start of radiation therapy may be eligible
- Acute myocarditis, pericarditis, or endocarditis
- Acute pulmonary embolus or pulmonary infarction within the last 3 months
- Acute thrombosis of lower extremities within the last 3 months
- Suspected dissecting aneurysm
- Pulmonary edema
- Respiratory failure
- Acute non-cardiopulmonary disorder that may affect exercise performance or be aggravated by exercise
Where
- Cleveland, Ohio
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations