A RCT evaluating thoracic Prehab and IMT. The PRIMROSE trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the impact of thoracic PRehabilitation with Inspiratory Muscle tRaining cOmpared to Standard prEhabilitation in surgical lung cancer patients.The PRIMROSE Trial
IRAS ID
341315
Contact name
Tracy Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Swansea Bay University Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Smoking is a major cause for developing lung cancer. Individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, may be offered surgery which offers a complete cure. Smoking also damages the lungs and compromises the individual’s lung function, result in shortness of breath. Breathlessness limits their ability to carry out daily physical activities and exercise and making them vulnerable to developing post surgical complications and even death. Some individuals with surgically treatable lung cancer have a poor ability to exercise and compromised lung function and are not fit for surgery. They will instead be referred for radiation therapy, chemotherapy or palliative care. Surgery is the preferred treatment option.
At Swansea, our pulmonary rehabilitation program (Prehab) improves patients fitness levels. In addition it improves the level of breathlessness, exercise capacity and vulnerability of lung cancer patients with the aim of making them fit for safe surgery. By adding a breathing training device to our Prehab program, we aim to further improve their fitness for surgery, lower their risk of developing complications and the time they spend in hospital after surgery.
The breathing training device is called an inspiratory muscle training device. The hand-held device helps to train and strengthen the breathing muscles, which are then able to work more effectively. After their surgery, patients are able to breathe and exercise more easily reducing their risk of developing complications and improving outcomes.
The study will compare two groups of lung cancer patients having surgical removal of part of the lung, at a specialist hospital . One group will receive standard Prehab and inspiratory muscle training with the device prior to surgery; patients in the second group with receive standard Prehab prior to surgery. Participants will be followed up for twelve months post surgery.
REC name
Wales REC 1
REC reference
25/WA/0068
Date of REC Opinion
25 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion