Effect of Prehabilitation During the Conversion Therapy on Postoperative Outcomes in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Launched by SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OF SUN YAT-SEN UNIVERSITY · Dec 24, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a program called "prehabilitation" can help patients with advanced liver cancer (specifically unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma) who are getting ready for a treatment called conversion therapy. Prehabilitation involves exercises and other supportive activities aimed at improving a person's physical strength and overall well-being before surgery. The researchers want to see if this approach can lead to fewer complications after surgery, better physical function, improved quality of life, and even better chances of survival in the short term.

To participate in this trial, candidates must be between 18 and 75 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. They should also be physically able to walk a certain distance and climb stairs without assistance. However, individuals with other serious health issues or specific types of liver cancer won't be eligible. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, but those who join can expect to engage in a structured exercise program and receive support as they prepare for their treatment. It's important for participants to be able to understand the trial requirements and provide consent to take part.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients must be aged between 18 and 75 years, inclusive, with no gender restrictions.
• • 2. Patients must have an initial diagnosis of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) confirmed by EASL/AASLD diagnostic criteria, pathological histology, or cytology, and must be planned for conversion therapy.
• • 3. Patients must have an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification of ≤III.
• • 4. Patients must be physically capable of participating in exercise training, defined as the ability to walk continuously on flat ground for more than 200 meters without rest and to climb two flights of stairs consecutively without requiring a break.
• • 5. Patients must not have any psychiatric disorders, speech impediments, or consciousness disturbances, and must possess adequate comprehension, communication, and literacy skills.
• • 6. Patients must voluntarily enroll in the study, be able to provide written informed consent, and be capable of understanding and adhering to the trial protocol and follow-up procedures.
• • -
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. A known diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), combined hepatocellular carcinoma, or fibrolamellar carcinoma.
• • 2. Presence of extrahepatic metastases or concurrent other malignant tumors.
• • 3. Presence of psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairments that would impede compliance with study requirements.
• • 4. Unsuitability for participation in exercise training due to skeletal muscle diseases or a history of fracture within the past 6 months.
• • 5. Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• • 6. Individuals with severe and irreversible cardiac, pulmonary, or renal organic diseases, or severe anemia, which would make them unsuitable for preoperative rehabilitation programs. -