Pilot Prehabilitation Intervention in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in Canada and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Patients diagnosed at earlier (non-metastatic) stages are potential candidates for surgical tumor removal. However, they often present with poor nutritional status and physical function adding to the major catabolic stress imposed by surgery that negatively impacts recovery and survival after surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential benefits of a prehabilitation program that includes a combined nutritional supplement (whey protein, leucine, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids) with exercise and relaxation techniques for 4 weeks before surgery and continued for 8 weeks after surgery on functional pre- and postoperative outcomes, versus standard hospital care (control). Investigators will study whether the prehabilitation program improves physical performance, muscle mass and quality of life in patients undergoing lung cancer resection. The specific objective of this pilot study is to test feasibility and adherence to intervention, and generate pilot data to inform the design of a larger trial.