Management of the breathlessness-cough-fatigue symptom cluster in lung cancer through respiratory distress symptom intervention

A recent study showed that the use of respiratory distress symptom intervention (RDSI) has shown to be an effective and low-risk intervention in aiding the management of the respiratory distress symptom cluster in individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. This study’s findings were published in the journal, BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care.

A total of 263 patients diagnosed with lung cancer were enrolled in this clinical trial, with 132 patients assigned to receive RDSI and 131 patients assigned to receive standard care. To be eligible for the trial, participants had to self-report experiencing adverse effects in their daily lives from at least two out of the three symptoms, in any combination. The outcomes measured were the changes in each symptom within the cluster, namely Dyspnoea-12 (D-12), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness-Fatigue, and Manchester Cough in Lung Cancer (MCLC) at the 12-week mark.

Nearly 60% of the participants reported experiencing all three symptoms at the baseline. By the end of the trial, there was a total attrition of 109 participants (41.4%). When compared to the control group, the RDSI group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in D-12 (p=0.007) and MCLC (p<0.001). Each outcome reached the minimal clinically important difference (MCID): MCLC -5.49 (MCID >3), D-12 -4.13 (MCID >3), and FACIT-F 4.91 (MCID >4).

Thus, RDSI has proven its effectiveness and safety in supporting the management of the respiratory distress symptom cluster in patients with lung cancer. However, it is important to consider the significant attrition observed in the study while interpreting these findings.