Prehabilitation program for older patients with esophageal cancer
A Multimodal Prehabilitation Feasibility Study for Older Adult Patients at High Risk for Poor Postoperative Outcomes Prior to Esophageal Cancer Surgery
This study is testing a 4-week program to help older adults with esophageal cancer improve their physical, nutritional, and sleep health before surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06027515 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates the feasibility of a 4-week multimodal prehabilitation program designed to enhance physical, nutritional, and sleep health in older adults with esophageal cancer before surgery. The study targets patients aged 65 and over who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy and are scheduled for surgical intervention. Participants will undergo various assessments including questionnaires, blood tests, and CT scans throughout the study period, which is expected to last 7 months. Approximately 30 patients will be enrolled to evaluate the effectiveness of this prehabilitation approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 65 and over who have completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy for esophageal cancer and are preparing for surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with profound physical disabilities or those with dietary restrictions that prevent them from consuming nutritional supplements may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve surgical outcomes and recovery for older patients with esophageal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While multimodal prehabilitation is a growing area of interest, this specific approach in older esophageal cancer patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 65 years of age and over * Adult male or non-pregnant female volunteers * Completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy for esophageal cancer * At least four weeks to esophageal cancer surgery * Without skin conditions that preclude wearing sensors * Able to speak English and consent Exclusion Criteria: * Participants in any other interventional study that may bias results or limit study adherence during our study * Dietary restrictions that prevent consumption of nutritional supplements * Women who are pregnant, nursing, or at risk of becoming pregnant * Profound physical disability (for example, quadriplegia) that precludes participation in any aerobic or strength training.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hassan Dashti, PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hassan Dashti, PhD
- Email: Hassan.dashti@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6177269132
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.