Prehabilitation with exercise and nutrition before esophagectomy for esophageal cancer
Official title: Impact of Prehabilitation in Oncology Via Exercise- Esophageal
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT06872515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will test if exercise plus nutrition before esophagectomy is doable and acceptable for adults with esophageal cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 16, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06872515 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (age ≥18) with esophageal cancer who are identified as esophagectomy candidates at UPMC Hillman (or affiliated UPMC sites), have at least two weeks until surgery, an ECOG score ≤2, and can provide informed consent in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with absolute contraindications to exercise, major comorbidities or musculoskeletal limitations that prevent participation, active infections or cytopenias, or those undergoing non‑esophagectomy chemotherapy or radiotherapy are unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares a prehabilitation program of supervised resistance and aerobic training plus nutrition supplementation to usual care in adults preparing for esophagectomy. Eligible participants must have at least two weeks before surgery and an ECOG performance status of 0–2 and will be recruited at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (and affiliated sites). The trial measures feasibility and acceptability, documents pre-surgical care needs, and follows participants before surgery and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and four months after surgery. Data collected include adherence to the exercise and nutrition program and clinical recovery measures aligned with routine follow-up visits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve patients' preoperative fitness and nutritional status, which may speed recovery and reduce postoperative complications.
How similar studies have gone: Prehabilitation programs have shown benefits in other surgical cancers such as colorectal and lung, but randomized or large-scale data specifically for esophageal cancer remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women, age ≥ 18 years old * Diagnosed with esophageal cancer * Identified as esophagectomy surgery candidates at Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Shadyside, or UPMC Passavant * ≥ 2 weeks until scheduled esophagectomy * ECOG Performance Status Scale score of ≤ 2 * Ability to provide written informed consent * Ability to understand, speak, and read English. Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence in the medical record of an absolute contraindication for exercise (e.g., Heart insufficiency \> NYHA III or uncertain arrhythmia; uncontrolled hypertension; reduced standing or walking ability) * Any other comorbidities or musculoskeletal complications that preclude participation in the exercise programs as deemed by the exercise interventionist * Receiving non-esophagectomy related chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy * Active infections, hemorrhages, and cytopenias that could place surgical patients at risk for further adverse events, deemed by the exercise interventionist, physician, and/or nurse
Where it's running
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UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melanie Potiaumpai, PhD, MPH — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Cara Battistella, MA
- Email: battistellac@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-353-9102
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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.