Exercise program for patients with esophageal cancer before surgery

Exercise Prehabilitation for Locoregional Esophageal Cancer: A Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute · NCT06430346

This study tests whether a structured exercise program can help patients with esophageal cancer get stronger and healthier before their surgery to improve their recovery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tampa, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06430346 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of an exercise prehabilitation program for patients diagnosed with locoregional esophageal cancer who are preparing for surgical resection. Participants will engage in a structured exercise regimen aimed at improving their physical fitness and overall health prior to undergoing surgery. The study will assess how well patients can adhere to the exercise program and its impact on their surgical outcomes. The approach focuses on enhancing patients' strength and endurance to potentially improve recovery times and surgical results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with biopsy-proven locoregional esophageal cancer who are scheduled for neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy followed by surgical resection.

Not a fit: Patients who regularly engage in resistance training or have significant underlying health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance recovery and surgical outcomes for patients undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise prehabilitation in various surgical populations, suggesting potential benefits in this context as well.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Biopsy-proven locoregional esophageal cancer (LEC)
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2
* Treatment plan including neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and surgical resection
* Ability to read and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Regular engagement in resistance training (2x/week targeting all major muscle groups)
* Screen failure for exercise safety based on PAR-Q
* Underlying unstable cardiac or pulmonary disease or symptomatic cardiac disease
* Recent fracture or acute musculoskeletal injury that precludes ability to participate in resistance training safely
* Numeric pain rating scale of 7 or more out of 10
* Myopathic or rheumatologic disease that impacts physical function

Where this trial is running

Tampa, Florida

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.
Conditions Esophageal Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.