A number of recent publications have highlighted the importance of exercise (also called prehabilitation) in patients having treatment for oesophageal and gastric cancer. Andrew Davies is the Chief Investigator of the PRE-EMPT trial which has published a number of important findings :-
- Patients who exercise through chemotherapy appear to have a better response (shrinking) of their cancer.
- Exercise can improve fitness ahead of major cancer surgery, even in patients receiving chemotherapy and this may improve a range of clinical outcomes such as complications.
- Exercise improves body composition (the proportion of fat : muscle)
- Exercise improves a range of blood markers related to inflammation and the immune system function.
- Patients who decline to take part in exercise trials have worse overall survival – this group of patients who may struggle to access healthcare resources require additional support