Researchers of a recent study aimed to understand shortness of breath in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy. Researchers collected data from 1338 outpatients through questionnaires over two chemotherapy cycles. They used latent class analysis to identify four distinct shortness of breath profiles: None (70.5%), decreasing (8.2%), increasing (7.8%), and high (13.5%). Patients in the high class had a higher risk of shortness of breath, associated with factors like smoking history, lung disease, lung cancer diagnosis, and more cancer treatments. Compared to those with no shortness of breath, the  high class reported worse physical, psychological, and social well-being.

The study highlights the need for clinicians to assess shortness of breath in oncology patients and provide tailored interventions.

Reference: Shin J, Kober KM, Wong ML, et al. Distinct Shortness of Breath Profiles in Oncology Outpatients Undergoing Chemotherapy. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2023 Mar;65(3):242-255. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.11.010. Epub 2022 Nov 21. PMID: 36423799.