Objective measurement of physical activity levels and patient-reported outcomes in cancer patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to objectively assess physical activity levels in cancer patients treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and explore their association with patient-reported fatigue and quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients with solid cancer receiving ICI treatment in the day hospital of our institution from March 26 to April 24, 2024. Physical activity levels were assessed using accelerometer monitors and the IPAQ questionnaire, while patient-reported fatigue and QoL were assessed with the FACIT-Fatigue and EQ-5D questionnaires, respectively. Descriptive statistics and between-group comparisons were performed, specifically between active and non-active patients, based on the WHO recommendation for healthy PA of ≥ 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), as well as between patients with or without problems in QoL domains.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 61 ± 12 years, 65.5% male. Eleven patients (47.8%) were active, with a mean MVPA of 22.5 ± 16.5 min/day based on objective measurements. Active and non-active subgroups were balanced for characteristics other than BMI. Based on 18 objective measurements, the mean MVPA time was 22.5 ± 16.5 min/day. Reported fatigue was higher than population norms, and 85.7% reported issues in QoL domains. Patients without problems in self-care or in usual activities reached higher PA levels, and patients without problems in mobility, self-care, or pain/discomfort reported less fatigue and a higher index of global health.

CONCLUSION

Less than half of ICI-treated patients follow the recommendation for healthy PA. Patients engaging in more MVPA may have less problems in self-care and in usual activities. It reinforces the need to promote PA during immunotherapy.