Improving recovery in elderly patients with frailty undergoing surgery for digestive cancer

Effect of Multicomponent Prehabilitation on Early and Long-term Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Frailty After Digestive Surgery for Cancer: A Randomized-controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Peking University First Hospital · NCT04715581

This study tests whether a special program that includes nutrition and exercise can help older patients with frailty recover better after surgery for digestive cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment540 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking University First Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT04715581 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of a multicomponent prehabilitation program on elderly patients with frailty who are scheduled for major surgery due to digestive cancer. The program includes preoperative nutritional optimization and exercise training, as well as postoperative rehabilitation. By addressing frailty and malnutrition, the study aims to enhance recovery and improve both short-term and long-term outcomes for these vulnerable patients. The research focuses on understanding how these interventions can mitigate the adverse effects associated with frailty in surgical settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged 65 to 89 who are scheduled for major surgery for digestive cancer and exhibit clinical frailty.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities or those unable to participate in rehabilitation due to movement disorders or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery times and overall outcomes for elderly patients undergoing surgery for digestive cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with prehabilitation approaches in surgical patients, particularly in improving recovery outcomes, although this specific multicomponent approach is less commonly tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

1. Age ≥65 years but \<90 years;
2. Scheduled to undergo major surgery for digestive cancer with an expected duration of 2 hours and longer, including cancers of esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, liver, and biliary tract;
3. Clinical Frailty Scale ≥5;
4. Provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Preoperative history of schizophrenia, epilepsy, Parkinsonism, or myasthenia gravis;
2. Inability to communicate due to coma, profound dementia, or language barrier;
3. Inability to participate in preoperative rehabilitation due to paralysis, fracture or other movement disorder;
4. Inability to take oral diet due to preoperative gastrointestinal disease or other disease;
5. Severe heart dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction \<30% or New York Heart Association classification IV), severe hepatic dysfunction (Child-Pugh class C), severe renal dysfunction (undergoing dialysis before surgery), or American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of grade 4 or higher;
6. Other reasons that are considered unsuitable for study participation.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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 Old AgeDebilityDigestive CancerSurgeryPreoperative RehabilitationNutrition TherapyOutcomesolder patients
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.