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A Hybrid-Based Exercise and Nutritional Optimization for Improving Outcomes for Patients with Stage II-III Rectal Cancer Undergoing Treatment, PROPEL Trial

Trial Status: active

This clinical trial evaluates whether a hybrid-based prehabilitation program can improve outcomes after surgery for patients with stage II-III rectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation before surgery (neoadjuvant). Patients diagnosed with rectal cancer undergo a variety of types of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, and most patients will undergo a combination of them. These are all intensive treatment types which may have adverse side effects that negatively impact patients' outcomes and quality of life. Recent research has shown that prehabilitation, or the practice of improving one’s physical reserve through improvements in diet and exercise prior to undergoing these treatments, can potentially help improve these outcomes and enhance the recovery process. Specifically, for patients with colorectal cancer who undergo surgery, prehabilitation has shown promising results in reducing adverse outcomes afterwards. Information gathered from this study may help researchers determine whether participating in hybrid-based prehabilitation program may be used for improving outcomes for patients with stage II-III rectal cancer undergoing treatment chemotherapy and/or radiation before surgery.