P1044 - EXERCISE TRAINING AND NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION TO MODULATE BODY COMPOSITION AND CYTOKINE STATUS BEFORE SURGERY IN OVERWEIGHT/OBESE CANCER PATIENTS: A PILOT STUDY

P1044

EXERCISE TRAINING AND NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION TO MODULATE BODY COMPOSITION AND CYTOKINE STATUS BEFORE SURGERY IN OVERWEIGHT/OBESE CANCER PATIENTS: A PILOT STUDY

E. Bruno^1,*, M. Maienza², C. Meli¹, M. Giannone², P. Proto², S. Togni³, E. Venturelli¹, M. Giussani⁴, P. Pasanisi¹, E. Tognoli²

¹Departement of Experimental Oncology, ²Department of Surgery, ³Direzione Sanitaria, ⁴Department of Advanced Diagnostic Services, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy

Rationale: The perioperative period in cancer patients is associated with increased risk of complications, often worsened by surgical stress and pre-existing inflammation (e.g., elevated CRP). Obesity further contributes through chronic low-grade inflammation. Physical activity may reduce inflammation independently of weight loss. This study investigates whether a short-term preoperative exercise and nutritional program can improve body composition and inflammatory markers in overweight/obese cancer patients undergoing surgery for BMI-related cancers

Methods: This prospective, randomized (1:1), non-blind pilot study includes patients (18–75 years) with newly diagnosed, non-metastatic endometrial, colon, non-alcohol/non-virus hepatocellular carcinoma, or renal cell carcinoma. Eligible patients (BMI 25–34.9 kg/m², no regular exercise) receive standard care and are assessed pre/post for aerobic capacity (6MWT, Comfortable Walking Speed), strength (Hand Grip Strength Test),  nutrition (MEDAS questionnaires, 24h food diary), body composition (BIA), and inflammatory markers. The intervention consists of home-based Nordic Walking (2x/week, 80 min at 30–40% HRR) with adherence monitored via Fitbit, and Mediterranean diet counseling.

Results: Twelve patients (mean age 61.5 ± 11.5; BMI 29.2 ± 3.5) completed the study (6 intervention, 6 control). Compared to controls, the intervention group showed greater reductions in weight (−2.1 kg vs +0.8 kg), BMI (−0.68 vs +0.26), waist circumference (−2.15 cm vs +0.5 cm), and improved aerobic capacity (+13 m vs +10 m), hand grip strength (+4.8 kg vs −1.2 kg) and MEDAS scores (+4 points vs +1 point; p = 0.05) (Fig.1).

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Conclusion: A structured prehabilitation program may enhance functional and nutritional status in overweight/obese cancer patients before surgery, supporting its role in improving perioperative outcomes.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared