Despite consistent advancements in the clinical management of patients living with cancer, the health consequences associated with various treatment strategies invariably contribute to muscle wasting, decreased CRMF, and increased risk of developing chronic diseases. All these are independently associated with an increased risk of adverse events, mortality, and loss of physical independence.
There is an exponentially growing body of literature that recognizes the benefit of including EMD&T in the management of oncology patients and exercise prescription is widely considered to be a part of the contemporary treatment model. A wide-scoping systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated the significant association between higher preoperative CPET values with better postoperative outcomes.
Identifying individuals with low fitness levels would be a valuable strategy to facilitate the treatment decision-making process, in addition to emphasizing the need for exercise interventions before, during, and after treatment. Collectively, when considering the recently observed rise in cancer cases in individuals under the age of 50, coupled with the increased risk of developing chronic health conditions post-treatment, physicians trained in EMD&T will be needed to effectively support patients living with cancer.