Overview

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

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women, age ≥ 18 years old
• Diagnosed with esophageal cancer
• Identified as esophagectomy surgery candidates at Hillman Cancer Center or UPMC Shadyside
• ≥ 2 weeks until scheduled esophagectomy
• Currently completing, or completed Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
• 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