Physical training program for better survivorship after oesophageal cancer surgery

Background: The treatment for oesophageal cancer relies on very extensive surgery, which is usually followed by slow and incomplete recovery.

Loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, and deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQL), physical activity and food intake are major concerns during rehabilitation.Aims: We aim to improve the rehabilitation in patients who undergo surgery for oesophageal cancer by an intervention with a special physical resistance training program that can improve muscle strength, muscle mass, HRQL, physical activity and food intake.Methods: We perform a nationwide Swedish randomised clinical trial (RCT) including patients who have undergone surgery for oesophageal cancer.

Half of the patients are randomised to a specially designed 12-week physical resistance training program and the other half receives standard care.

At personal visits, the outcomes muscle strength and muscle mass are measured objectively while HRQL, physical activity level and food intake are retrieved using well-validated questionnaires.

After a baseline assessment, the outcomes are measured again shortly after the 12-week intervention period and again 4-years later.

We have carefully considered methodological issues to optimise the design.Relevance: This is the first RCT to test if the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone surgery for oesophageal cancer can be improved by a physical training program. This would be of great value for patients and healthcare.