Improving health before cancer surgery in American Indian patients through nutrition and exercise
Official title: A Nutrition and Exercise Prehabilitation Intervention on Inflammatory Biomarkers in American Indian Cancer Patients
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10873797 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help American Indian and Alaska Native cancer patients feel better before their surgery by offering a program that includes healthy eating and exercise, aiming to reduce inflammation and improve their overall health for better surgery outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $271,631 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA276137-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873797 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are American Indian and Alaska Native individuals diagnosed with obesity-related cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not American Indian or Alaska Native or those without obesity-related cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on American Indian and Alaska Native cancer patients, aiming to improve their health before surgery through a program that combines nutrition and exercise. The intervention seeks to reduce inflammation linked to obesity, which is prevalent in these populations and contributes to poor cancer outcomes. By implementing this prehabilitation approach, the study hopes to enhance patients' overall health and potentially improve their surgical results. Participants will engage in tailored lifestyle changes designed to positively impact inflammatory biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and survival rates for American Indian cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with prehabilitation interventions in non-American Indian populations, indicating potential for similar benefits in this underrepresented group.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erdrich, Jennifer a — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Erdrich, Jennifer a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.