# Comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Feasibility Pilot Study

## TL;DR

A pilot study shows that tailored pulmonary rehabilitation is feasible and beneficial for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

## Contribution

This study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of pulmonary rehabilitation in improving physical and respiratory function in MPM patients.

## Key findings

- High adherence rates were observed for both physical and respiratory rehabilitation sessions.
- Participants reported improved physical function, pain management, and quality of life.
- Minimal adverse events and high patient satisfaction were noted during the rehabilitation program.

## Abstract

Rehabilitation might play a crucial role in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), but its role is still debated in MPM patients. The intervention comprised multidisciplinary educational sessions, physical rehabilitation, and respiratory physiotherapy. Feasibility was evaluated based on dropout rates, adherence to the rehabilitation program, safety, and patient-reported outcomes. In light of the current evidence, we have conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of tailored pulmonary rehabilitation in terms of physical and respiratory function in MPM. Twelve patients were initially enrolled, with seven completing the study. High adherence to physical (T1: 93.43%, T2: 82.56%) and respiratory (T1: 96.2%, T2: 92.5%) rehabilitation was observed, with minimal adverse events reported. Patient satisfaction remained high throughout the study (GPE scores at T1: 1.83 ± 1.17; T2: 2.0 ± 1.15), with improvements noted in physical function, pain management, and health-related quality of life. Despite its promising outcomes, further research with larger samples is warranted to validate its efficacy and integrate rehabilitation as a component into the multidisciplinary management of MPM.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents a significant health burden, with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Despite advances in pharmacological and surgical interventions, the role of rehabilitation in MPM management remains underexplored. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a tailored pulmonary rehabilitation intervention addressing physical and respiratory function in MPM patients. A prospective pilot study was conducted on surgically treated MPM patients referred to a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation service. The intervention comprised multidisciplinary educational sessions, physical rehabilitation, and respiratory physiotherapy. Feasibility was evaluated based on dropout rates, adherence to the rehabilitation program, safety, and patient-reported outcomes. Twelve patients were initially enrolled, with seven completing the study. High adherence to physical (T1: 93.43%, T2: 82.56%) and respiratory (T1: 96.2%, T2: 92.5%) rehabilitation was observed, with minimal adverse events reported. Patient satisfaction remained high throughout the study (GPE scores at T1: 1.83 ± 1.17; T2: 2.0 ± 1.15), with improvements noted in physical function, pain management, and health-related quality of life. However, some issues, such as time constraints and lack of continuous supervision, were reported by participants. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and potential benefits of a tailored pulmonary rehabilitation intervention in MPM patients. Despite its promising outcomes, further research with larger samples is warranted to validate its efficacy and integrate rehabilitation as a component into the multidisciplinary management of MPM.