Cardio-respiratory fitness and functional performance in patients with a recent diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Abstract

804 Background: Physical capability describes the ability to do the physical tasks of everyday living. Oncologists usually evaluate physical capability through anamnesis generating a performance status (PS) score. Some authors have proposed the use of cardiorespiratory reserve, muscular strength and objective evaluation of physical activity to avoid the subjective, unreliable and non-reproducible condition of PS. Methods: Patients with a recent diagnosis of colorectal cancer who accepted to participate were evaluated at the hospital setting. Walking speed was evaluated through both one-mile walk test and six-minute walk test. VO2max was calculated through the Kilne formula. Muscular strength was measured through dynamometry (hand-grip) and “sit to stand” test. Physical activity was objectively evaluated with accelerometers. Fatigue was evaluated through the PERFORM questionnaire (12-60). ECOG was evaluated by the medical oncologist. Results: 100 pats were recruited between March 15 and Jul 17. ECOG O/1/2 (80/14/2). 40 (40 %) were metastatic. Mean age 66 (25-81), Sex M/F; 68/32. Conclusions: Objective evaluation of physical condition is feasible at the hospital setting. There were no differences in BMI, heart rate, fatigue, muscular strength and objective functional performance (weekly PA) between localized and metastatic CRC. In metastatic pts with an excellent ECOG-PS the time to walk one mile and the estimated VO2max could be more sensitive than ECOG to evaluate the functional capacity impairment. In pts with cancer the One- mile walk test could be superior to the Six-minute walk to estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness. The objective evaluation of physical condition is a useful additional tool to select pts for aggressive therapies. [Table: see text]