Nutrition and exercise before surgery to reduce cancer inflammation in AI/AN patients

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project aims to help AI/AN cancer patients by starting a structured nutrition and exercise plan before surgery to reduce harmful inflammation linked to obesity and cancer. The team will measure inflammatory biomarkers in blood and look at how the intervention might affect patients’ daily living and recovery. The study adapts prehabilitation concepts to a population that has historically been underrepresented in research. Participation would involve guidance from clinicians and exercise/nutrition specialists prior to surgery, with monitoring over time. The goal is to improve surgical outcomes and long-term health for AI/AN communities.

Why it matters

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

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.