Catherine Granger: PRF Case Study

PRF Case Study: Associate Professor Catherine Granger APAM, MACP Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Australia, with an estimated 13,258 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in 2020 and is the most common cause of cancer death in Australia. Treatment for lung cancer leads to immediate deterioration in functional capacity and exercise tolerance. PRF grant recipient, Associate Professor Catherine Granger APAM, MACP is a leader in exercise and lung cancer. Her original PRF funded research paper “Safety and Feasibility of an Exercise Intervention for Patients Following Lung Resection: A Pilot Randomised Control Trial” was one of the first studies to assess the safety and feasibility of exercise interventions following surgery for lung cancer in the world. It has been cited over 50 times and has been cited in 2 international clinical practice guidelines, 2 textbooks and 11 systematic reviews. Associate Professor Granger has now attracted over $2 million in funding for research into lung cancer and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, making a real impact on physiotherapy clinical practice, and is currently conducting a large-scale, high-quality trial into the effects of post-operative exercise programs for people with lung cancer. Looking towards a feasible delivery model, the trial comprises over 100 people in a home-based program, with patients exercising in their homes with physiotherapy support. Associate Professor Granger’s biggest hope is that patients diagnosed with lung cancer in Australia will be referred to a physiotherapist or exercise program through the public system, so they can easily access the support they need in a timely manner. To read the original PRF funded research paper visit https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1534735412450461 For more information on the Impact of the PRF visit https://australian.physio/research/prf/news/measuring-value-physiotherapy-research-foundation