Improving recovery before pancreatic surgery

Multimodal Prehabilitation in Localized Pancreatic Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional IRCCS San Raffaele · NCT06069297

This study tests whether a four-week program of exercise, nutrition support, and mental health help can improve recovery for people with pancreatic cancer before their surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment238 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS San Raffaele Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Milan, Lombardy)
Trial IDNCT06069297 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effects of a four-week multimodal prehabilitation program on patients with localized pancreatic or periampullary cancer scheduled for curative surgery. The program includes physical exercise, nutritional support, and psychological interventions aimed at enhancing functional capacity and nutritional status. Patients will be randomized into either the intervention group receiving prehabilitation or a control group with no prehabilitation. The study also explores the impact of prehabilitation on biomarkers related to sarcopenia and cancer cachexia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with localized pancreatic or periampullary cancer who are scheduled for curative surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic disease, severe comorbidities, or those unable to participate in the prehabilitation regimen may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve postoperative recovery and quality of life for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While multimodal prehabilitation has shown promise in gastrointestinal cancer surgery, high-quality evidence specifically for pancreatic cancer patients is currently lacking.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Indication for curative resection for pancreatic or periampullary cancer
* Signed Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Metastatic or unresectable disease found preoperatively
* Comorbidities contraindicating prehabilitation regimen (exercise and nutritional intervention) such as orthopedic, cognitive disabilities, chronic renal failure (dialysis or creatinine \>250 mmol)
* ASA score 4-5
* Pregnancy
* Illiteracy (inability to read and understand Italian language)

Where this trial is running

Milan, Lombardy

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 Pancreatic CancerPeriampullary CancerFrailty SyndromeMalnutritionPerioperative/Postoperative ComplicationsPrehabilitationPhysical functionNutritional status
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.