NCT06872515NARecruiting

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

University of Pittsburgh

Start Date

7/16/2025

Completion Date

10/1/2027

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 Criteria

Age Range: 18 years to No maximum

Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women, age ≥ 18 years old * Diagnosed with esophageal cancer * Identified as esophagectomy surgery candidates at Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Shadyside, or UPMC Passavant * ≥ 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 Criteria: * 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

BEHAVIORAL

Exercise and Nutrition

BEHAVIORAL

Usual Care Group

Interested in This Trial?

Contact the trial locations directly using the information below to learn more about enrollment.

Expressing interest lets you review the study and consent before we connect you with the research site.

Conditions

Esophageal CancerEsophageal Carcinoma

Locations

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213

United States