Clinical Study of Preoperative Prehabilitation Synchronized Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background. To investigate the effectiveness of prehabilitation in improving physical and nutritional status in patients undergoing gastric cancer resection. Methods. A total of 136 locally advanced gastric cancer patients who planned to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) plus transabdominal radical surgery were involved. All participants were divided into the prehabilitation group and the control group using the odd-even method, with 68 cases in each group. Intervention consisted of preoperative exercise and nutrition optimization. Participants were adults awaiting elective gastric resection for cancer. The primary outcomes were changes in functional ability and nutritional status, as measured by relative changes in 6 minute walking distance (6MWD) and scores on the albumin and prealbumin. Preoperative (end of the prehabilitation period) and postoperative (from 4 to 6 weeks after surgery) data were compared between the two groups. Results. All 136 patients were randomized in this study. Compared with the control group, the prehabilitation group exhibited improved functional capacity both before surgery (6MWD change) and after surgery. Furthermore, it demonstrated significantly higher levels of albumin and prealbumin before and after surgery than the control group. Conclusion. Prehabilitation in gastric cancer patients can improve preoperative functional capacity and nutritional status. Maintaining a patient’s physical function and nutritional status may have a significant impact on the continuity of cancer care.