RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06872515

Impact of Prehabilitation in Oncology Via Exercise- Esophageal (IMPROVE-Esophageal)

Impact of Prehabilitation in Oncology Via Exercise- Esophageal

Sponsor

University of Pittsburgh

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Jul 16, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Esophageal Cancer Esophageal Carcinoma

Summary

The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of a prehabilitation exercise and nutrition program (exercise and nutrition before a medical treatment) in adults with esophageal cancer before surgery (esophagectomy). The pre-surgery exercise and nutrition program will include resistance and aerobic training and nutrition supplementation during the weeks before surgery. We will also assess pre-surgical care needs in adults with esophageal cancer. Researchers will compare the exercise and nutrition intervention to usual care- which is standard medical care and post-surgery surveillance/follow-up to understand the impact of exercise and nutrition before surgery. We will follow-up with participants before surgery, and after surgery at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 4-months at appointments that coincide with clinical follow-ups. The main questions of this trials are: * Is exercise and nutrition supplementation before surgery for esophageal cancer feasible and acceptable to patients? * How does exercise and nutrition supplementation before surgery change physical function and psychosocial health? * What are important pre-surgical needs for adults with esophageal cancer?

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

Men and women, age ≥ 18 years old
Diagnosed with esophageal cancer
Identified as esophagectomy surgery candidates at Hillman Cancer Center or UPMC Shadyside
≥ 2 weeks until scheduled esophagectomy
ECOG Performance Status Scale score of ≤ 2
Ability to provide written informed consent
Ability to understand, speak, and read English.

Exclusion Criteria4

Evidence in the medical record of an absolute contraindication for exercise (e.g., Heart insufficiency \> NYHA III or uncertain arrhythmia; uncontrolled hypertension; reduced standing or walking ability)
Any other comorbidities or musculoskeletal complications that preclude participation in the exercise programs as deemed by the exercise interventionist
Receiving non-esophagectomy related chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy
Active infections, hemorrhages, and cytopenias that could place surgical patients at risk for further adverse events, deemed by the exercise interventionist, physician, and/or nurse

Interventions

BEHAVIORALExercise and Nutrition

The exercise and nutrition intervention will last up to 8 weeks and will include: * 3-5 times per week of resistance training and 3-5 times per week of aerobic training. The prescribed exercise will be personalized based on the participant's baseline functionality. * Ensure Complete nutrition supplement drinks: 2 per day starting on the same day the exercise begins, up until 5 days prior to surgery.

BEHAVIORALUsual Care Group

The CONT group will not receive any intervention during study participation and undergo usual medical treatment and surveillance during the duration of the study.