Approximately 10-30% of cancer patients can experience cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI) impacting their cognitive function pre-treatment or surgery in areas of attention, memory and focus. Little is known about how or why this issue occurs, or how best to treat it. This study aims to explore CRCI within a rare cancer cohort as they engage with a pre and post-surgery exercise and nutrition programme (known as prehabilitation) to understand more about CRCI and whether treatments like exercise and nutrition could help support patients.
Fifty patients with peritoneal malignancy (a rare cancer that affects the lining of organs) who are scheduled for surgical treatment are recruited from the national centre for peritoneal malignancy at the Mater Hospital, Dublin. Patients are randomised to care as usual or intervention (exercise and nutrition support pre and post surgery). Intervention patients receive individualised exercise and nutrition structured programmes pre and post-surgery. Patients are assessed at five timepoints. Outcomes include their overall health related quality of life, subjective cognitive function ,qualitative experience via semi-structured interviews and self-efficacy.
Recruitment is currently ongoing. This study will potentially increase our understanding of this under-researched area of CRCI, whilst also providing valuable evidence for the benefits of prehabilitation.