Prehab to get stronger before pancreatic cancer surgery
Multimodal Prehabilitation Prior to Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: A Pilot Study
This project will test whether adults with pancreatic cancer can follow a combined exercise, nutrition, and symptom-management program during chemotherapy to improve fitness and recovery before surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Worester, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT07478185 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, prospective pilot embeds a standardized multimodal prehabilitation program into routine care for adults receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy before planned pancreatic resection. The intervention combines coordinated physical activity, nutritional optimization, and supportive symptom management delivered throughout the chemotherapy period. Participants complete functional fitness tests and patient-reported surveys at baseline, after the prehabilitation period before surgery, and about one month after surgery, with perioperative clinical data abstracted from the medical record. Analyses are descriptive and exploratory, focused on feasibility, adherence, program delivery, and perioperative changes to inform future larger trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma scheduled for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and planned surgical resection who are medically cleared for exercise and able to read and understand English are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are medically unfit for physical activity (for example with unstable cardiac or severe pulmonary disease), who have severe cognitive impairment, are pregnant, incarcerated, or cannot participate in English are unlikely to be eligible or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help patients enter surgery in better physical condition, which may reduce complications and speed early recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Prehabilitation has shown benefits in other major abdominal and cancer surgeries, but its delivery during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer is relatively untested and remains exploratory.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) * Planned neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to planned surgical resection * Medically stable and cleared to participate in physical activity/exercise programming * Able to provide informed consent * Ability to read, write and understand English Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 years * Pregnant * Prisoner * Severe cognitive impairment that precludes informed consent or participation * Contraindications to physical activity, including unstable cardiac disease, severe pulmonary disease, or recent myocardial infarction
Where this trial is running
Worester, Massachusetts
- UMass Memorial Medical Center — Worester, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James M Lindberg, MD — UMass Memorial Health
- Study coordinator: Kayla R Widdowson, MD
- Email: kayla.widdowson@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 774-641-1257
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.