2026 Volume 4 Pages 97-105
Objective: To describe the clinical course of a patient with advanced lung cancer and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myocarditis and interstitial lung disease who was maintained on a low-intensity exercise program during hospitalization.
Case: A man in his 70s with right lung squamous cell carcinoma developed myocarditis and interstitial lung disease during durvalumab maintenance therapy following chemoradiotherapy. The patient was transferred to our hospital under a Best Supportive Care policy because of marked functional decline.
Intervention: The exercise intensity was determined based on cardiac function, respiratory status, nutritional status, and skeletal muscle mass. A low-intensity endurance program consisting of seated cycle ergometry combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation was implemented 4–5 times per week. To minimize excessive load while maintaining continuity, the exercise duration and intensity were individually adjusted according to physiological responses.
Results: The exercise program was maintained throughout hospitalization. Partial improvement in the activities of daily living was observed, which enabled discharge to home.
Conclusion: This case suggests that, even in high-risk cancer patients with concurrent myocarditis and interstitial lung disease, an individualized low-intensity exercise program based on physiological responses is feasible and can contribute to functional recovery when higher-intensity exercise is not suitable.
