Prehabilitation and its Outcomes in Cancer Patients: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Abstract Prehabilitation is a multidisciplinary health enhancement programme offered before a disease intervention, such as surgery or chemotherapy/radiotherapy. It is a holistic patient care model that focuses on providing nutritional, psychological and functional care to patients before their intervention. Researchers have found that prehabilitation can improve patient outcomes by preparing for a surgery-associated physiological challenge. While studies have been limited, prehabilitation remains a promising strategy for cancer surgery with potential benefits such as improved outcomes, early recovery and lower hospital stay. The concept of prehabilitation has been growing rapidly, and it aims to enhance a patient’s overall health and well-being before surgery or other therapeutic interventions. Prehabilitation can be a valuable tool for cancer patients, providing advantages such as improved outcomes, early recovery and reduced hospital stay after surgery. However, more evidence is needed to support the effectiveness of prehabilitation. This review paper provides an overview of current knowledge and results of studies on the role of prehabilitation in cancer surgery, highlighting the positive effects of prehabilitation on physical performance, nutritional status, quality of life and sometimes reduced morbidity. Allied interventions, such as cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, can also provide valuable lessons for prehabilitation in practice. This comprehensive review provides a well-structured and informative presentation, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding for a technical audience. The technical details are well-supported by appropriate references, ensuring accuracy and credibility. Overall, the paper is a thorough and informative review of prehabilitation in cancer patients, outlining key concepts and evidence and providing insights for future research and practice.