Objectives Lung cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed worldwide, resulting in significant physical and psychological consequences. In this narrative review, we explore the role of exercise as an adjunct therapy to counteract health issues experienced by people before, during and after treatment for lung cancer, and offer recommendations for exercise prescription and future research.

Design Narrative cornerstone review.

Methods A narrative review was conducted to explore the role of exercise in cancer care for people diagnosed with lung cancer.

Results Improvements in fitness, strength and quality of life have been demonstrated in people with lung cancer following participation in exercise programmes before, during and post treatment. Whilst combined aerobic (50–100 % heart rate maximum) and resistance (50–85 % of 1 repetition maximum) training, 2–5 times per week across the cancer continuum is typically prescribed, few people with lung cancer currently access exercise services. ‘Optimal’ exercise prescription is unclear, although is likely individual-specific. The immediate priority is to identify a tolerable starting exercise dosage, with the side effects of lung cancer and its treatment on the respiratory system, particularly shortness of breath (dyspnoea), likely driving the initial maximum threshold for session mode, duration and intensity. To date, exercise safety for people with lung cancer has been poorly evaluated and reported — few trials report it, but those that do report small numbers of serious adverse events.

Conclusions Recommendations for health professionals prescribing exercise therapy to people with lung cancer are provided, with consideration of the strengths and limitations of the current evidence base.