Support Care Cancer. 2026 Mar 3;34(3):267. doi: 10.1007/s00520-026-10502-7.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this scoping review was to explore the current knowledge on multimodal prehabilitation in digestive oncology, identifying the evidence, challenges, and future perspectives for research in this field.
METHODS: Research was realized by two independent reviewers in four databases following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data of included articles were extracted, and risk of bias analyzed.
RESULTS: Finally, 51 articles were included. Despite the heterogeneity of interventions, the totality of studies combined physical activity interventions with nutritional support following for five of them the European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommendations, with intervention lasting at least 4 weeks before surgery. Psychological support was inconsistently incorporated. Evidence suggests that prehabilitation improves functional capacities, with an average increase in 6-min walk test distance ranging from + 35 to + 70 m across randomized controlled trials, and concurrent improvements in body composition. However, the impact on perioperative outcomes and length of hospital stay was unclear.
CONCLUSIONS: Implementing structured prehabilitation programs could be a key strategy to improve surgical outcomes in gastrointestinal cancers.
PMID:41774232 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-026-10502-7
