RECRUITING

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

Description

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?

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

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?

Impact of Prehabilitation in Oncology Via Exercise- Esophageal

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

Condition
Esophageal Cancer
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Pittsburgh

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * 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
  • * Currently completing, or completed Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
  • * ECOG Performance Status Scale score of ≤ 2
  • * Ability to provide written informed consent
  • * Ability to understand, speak, and read English.
  • * 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

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Pittsburgh,

Melanie Potiaumpai, PhD, MPH, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pittsburgh

Study Record Dates

2026-10-01