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

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · Mar 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The IMPROVE-Esophageal trial is studying how an exercise program before surgery can help adults with esophageal cancer feel better both physically and mentally. This program, called prehabilitation, includes activities like strength training and aerobic exercise in the weeks leading up to their surgery. Researchers want to see if this exercise program is practical and acceptable for patients and how it affects their physical abilities and emotional well-being. They will compare the results of those who participate in the exercise program with those who receive standard care, which is the usual medical treatment and follow-up after surgery.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and scheduled for surgery at specific cancer centers. They should be able to start the exercise program at least two weeks before their surgery and have completed or be undergoing certain chemotherapy treatments. Throughout the study, participants will have check-in appointments before their surgery and again at two weeks, six weeks, and four months after surgery to monitor their progress and well-being. This trial could provide valuable insights into how exercise might improve outcomes for patients facing surgery for esophageal cancer.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion 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.
• 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