Impact of Prehabilitation in Oncology Via Exercise- Esophageal (IMPROVE-Esophageal)

Last updated: January 6, 2026
Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Carcinoma

Digestive System Neoplasms

Esophageal Cancer

Treatment

Exercise

Exercise and Nutrition

Usual Care Group

Clinical Study ID

NCT06872515
STUDY24120028
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of a prehabilitation exercise and nutrition program (exercise and nutrition before a medical treatment) in adults with esophageal cancer before surgery (esophagectomy). The pre-surgery exercise and nutrition program will include resistance and aerobic training and nutrition supplementation during the weeks before surgery. We will also assess pre-surgical care needs in adults with esophageal cancer. Researchers will compare the exercise and nutrition intervention to usual care- which is standard medical care and post-surgery surveillance/follow-up to understand the impact of exercise and nutrition before surgery. We will follow-up with participants before surgery, and after surgery at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 4-months at appointments that coincide with clinical follow-ups.

The main questions of this trials are:

  • Is exercise and nutrition supplementation before surgery for esophageal cancer feasible and acceptable to patients?

  • How does exercise and nutrition supplementation before surgery change physical function and psychosocial health?

  • What are important pre-surgical needs for adults with esophageal cancer?

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Men and women, age ≥ 18 years old

  • Diagnosed with esophageal cancer

  • Identified as esophagectomy surgery candidates at Hillman Cancer Center or UPMCShadyside

  • ≥ 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

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 participationin 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 atrisk for further adverse events, deemed by the exercise interventionist, physician,and/or nurse

Study Design

Total Participants: 20
Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: Exercise
Phase:
Study Start date:
July 16, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
October 01, 2026

Connect with a study center

  • UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

    Pittsburgh 5206379, Pennsylvania 6254927 15213
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

Map preview placeholder

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.