Personalised exercise program around pancreatic cancer surgery
Official title: Exercise-Based Pre-, Peri- and Post-Surgery Intervention to Improve Clinical and Translational Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Whipple's Procedure: A Feasibility Study.
Run by University of Surrey · NCT07710495 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A personalised exercise program before, during, and after surgery is being tested to see if it is feasible for adults planning a Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Surrey Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Guildford, Surrey) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 6, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07710495 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older scheduled for upfront Whipple procedure for a suspected malignant periampullary mass, able to consent and participate in CPET and the exercise program.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients unable to perform CPET or adhere to the exercise program, or those with contraindications to the intervention, may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a single-arm feasibility study of a tailored exercise program for adults with suspected pancreatic cancer undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. The program uses CPET, strength and functional assessments to set individualized aerobic and resistance training throughout the perioperative period, from pre-surgery through recovery until adjuvant chemotherapy begins. Repeated assessments of fitness, function, nutrition, quality of life, and biological samples will monitor feasibility and safety. The goal is to determine if a continuous, individualized exercise pathway is practical and acceptable across the surgical journey.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If feasible, the program could improve postoperative recovery and readiness for chemotherapy, potentially enhancing overall outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous prehabilitation approaches show potential benefits, but this study tests a fully personalized, pathway-spanning program and feasibility in this specific surgical context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older. * Planned to undergo upfront pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) for a suspected malignant periampullary mass. * Able and willing to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * \<18 years age * Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) contraindications * Physical inability to perform CPET or undertake the program. * Lacking the capacity to consent * Unable to understand instructions in English * Not scheduled for surgery * A new diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 3c diabetes requiring management with insulin prescription will be excluded from the study.
Where it's running
-
University of Surrey
Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Adam E Frampton, PhD — University of Surrey
- Study coordinator: Tarak AM Chouari, BSc (Hons) MBChB
- Email: t.chouari@nhs.net
- Phone: 01483688691
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Pain management plan implementation for major open abdominal surgeries
This trial tests an opioid-epidural pain management approach to see if it improves post-surgical pain control for adults undergoing open abdominal procedures like colectomy, hepatectomy, and nephrectomy.
-
Supplemental Mobility for older adults in skilled nursing facilities
This pilot tests whether adding a mobility aide to support walking and transfers alongside regular rehab helps older adults in SNFs after hospitalization see more daily activity and safer mobility.
-
Pancreatic tumors: using SMI and 2D-SWE-EUS to help tell PA from other solid lesions
This study tests whether combining Superb Microvascular Imaging and 2D-SWE-EUS can help doctors differentiate pancreatic adenocarcinoma from other solid pancreatic lesions in adults.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.