The research, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, indicates that this physical and psychological preparation, combined with nutritional advice and psychological support during pre-surgery chemotherapy, can foster better recovery post-intervention. Pancreatic cancer, a disease with high mortality and rapid progression, is often diagnosed in advanced stages, making surgery the primary curative option when feasible.
The PREPANC study, led by doctors Ana Ruiz Casado and María Romero Elías from IDIPHISA, evaluated the feasibility of this trimodal program in 35 patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer. Despite the disease's aggressiveness and treatment, most patients agreed to participate, showing significant interest in actively managing their condition.
Over three years, the program implemented motivational strategies to encourage participation and adherence. Sessions, lasting approximately one hour, combined aerobic, strength, and resistance exercises, supplemented by nutritional and psychological support. Adherence to physical exercise reached 100% among patients who completed the intervention and attended support sessions.
Results showed significant improvements in the physical condition of patients who completed the program, including muscle strength, lung capacity, and quality of life. The authors emphasize the importance of tailoring prehabilitation to individual needs and highlight that assessing these parameters can help identify patients at higher risk of dropout, enabling personalized intervention strategies.
As a success stemming from this research, the Javier de la Rubia Cancer and Physical Exercise Association (ACANEF) was established. This non-profit organization was initiated by a patient from the PREPANC project, aiming to promote regular physical exercise and continue the program's benefits for cancer patients' quality of life at any stage of treatment.
Currently, exercise programs are not widely implemented in hospitals, making patient willingness and association support crucial for participation and observed benefits. The research suggests that these patient-centered interventions with individualized support can be associated with clinically relevant improvements, although further studies are needed.
