Prehabilitation for patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy prior to cancer resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of uni- or multimodal prehabilitation on several outcomes in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy before cancer surgery.

Methods: A systematic search was carried on May 1, 2023, using four major databases (SCOPUS, Web of Science, Medline (Ovid and Pubmed)) and updated monthly until February 2024. Inclusion criteria included (i) any original articles (any design), (ii) adult patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) prior to surgical resection, (iii) participation in uni- or multimodal prehabilitation programs during NAT, and (iv) reporting on any functional, treatment-related, or perioperative outcome.

Effectiveness of an Exercise and Educational-Based Prehabilitation Program in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (PREOptimize) on Functional Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The study objective was to determine the effectiveness of a prehabilitation program to decrease postoperative musculoskeletal impairments in patients who have breast cancer and are receiving neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).

Methods: Patients who had breast cancer and were receiving NAT before surgery were invited to participate in this randomized controlled trial. Patients randomized to the intervention group participated in a group-based prehabilitation program consisting of Nordic walking, resistance training, and therapeutic education from month 4 of NAT until before surgery.

Multimodal prehabilitation improves functional capacity in patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing cytoreductive surgery.

Objective: Prehabilitation, defined as the preparatory intervention to increase patient preparedness in the lead-up to surgery, has shown a decrease in post-operative complications in various types of surgery. However, there is limited evidence in advanced ovarian cancer surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of multimodal prehabilitation in advanced ovarian cancer patients in terms of improving physical functioning, body composition, and psychological well-being during the pre-operative period.

Experiences of Patients with Breast Cancer Participating in a Prehabilitation Program: A Qualitative Study.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer diagnosis among women worldwide. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have shown the benefits of exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment to manage side effects related to cancer and its therapies. However, these are poorly implemented across the disease-span, specifically, during the preoperative setting.

Association between the 6MWT and other measurements of physical functioning in patients with cancer awaiting major surgery.

Background: The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a widely used measure of functional capacity in (p)rehabilitation of cancer patients, but it is time-consuming and requires specific space conditions. In this study we explore the association between the 6MWT with other measurements of physical functioning and their predictive value in classifying patients according to their estimated functional capacity.

Design: This prospective study included cancer patients referred to a prehabilitation programme prior to major surgery.