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Preoperative Exercise Strengthens Tumor Immunity and Reveals Early Remission Signals in OPTIMUS Trial

OPTIMUS will randomize 50 esophageal cancer patients to standard or higher-intensity prehabilitation to validate exercise’s role in boosting surgical readiness through enhanced tumor immune infiltration.

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Overview

  • A pilot study of 22 esophageal adenocarcinoma patients showed that a 16-week structured exercise program during chemotherapy increased tumor infiltration by CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells.
  • Patients who improved aerobic fitness exhibited stronger immune responses in their tumors and developed mature tertiary lymphoid structures linked to better outcomes.
  • The OPTIMUS trial is now recruiting 50 patients and will compare standard versus higher-intensity exercise regimens administered before surgery.
  • Preliminary data from seven OPTIMUS participants include cases of undetectable tumors at surgery, a result normally seen in only about 6% of patients.
  • Exercise participants entered surgery in better physical condition and experienced smoother recovery, suggesting prehabilitation may mitigate surgical stress.