A digital tool to help older adults prepare for colon cancer surgery

PrehabPal: A Digital Tool to Help Frail Elders Prepare for Cancer Surgery

NA · University of California, San Francisco · NCT05520866

This study tests if a new web app can help older adults get ready for colon cancer surgery better than regular written instructions.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment132 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco (other)
Locations3 sites (Palo Alto, California and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05520866 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of the PrehabPal web app compared to traditional written prehabilitation instructions for older adults aged 65 and older preparing for colon cancer surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the PrehabPal app or receive standard written materials, with the intervention occurring 7-21 days before surgery and follow-up 8 weeks post-surgery. The study aims to improve surgical outcomes and functional recovery through personalized prehabilitation coaching provided by the app.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and have access to the Internet.

Not a fit: Patients who do not speak English, lack Internet access, or have cognitive impairments such as dementia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery and surgical outcomes for older adults undergoing colon cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital tools for prehabilitation, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female \>=65 years of age at time of evaluation for colorectal cancer resection.
2. Documentation of a colorectal diagnosis as evidenced by the following criteria:

   a. Biopsy proven colorectal cancer or unresectable neoplastic polyp.
3. Written informed consent (and assent when applicable) obtained from subject or subject's legal representative and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study.
4. Self-reported access to the Internet.
5. Participant has at least seven days prior to surgery date to optimize for surgery.
6. English language proficient.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. No English language proficiency.
2. No Internet access.
3. Documented diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
4. Surgery scheduled within 7-days.
5. Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data.

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Colon Cancer, Web app, Older Adult, Prehabilitation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.