They launch a pioneering oncological prehabilitation program

He King Juan Carlos University Hospitalin collaboration with the Alfonso X the Wise University (UAX) and sports centers Forushas launched a pioneering program of oncological prehabilitation. This program seeks to improve the general condition of patients with digestive cancer before undergoing surgeryevidencing improvements in key indicators to face the intervention with greater guarantees of success.

According to the hospital, the program has already treated around thirty patients. Prehabilitation includes a multidisciplinary approach that ranges from physical exercise to nutritional and psychological support. This comprehensive approach aims to optimize recovery and minimize post-surgical complications.

The project, which began in January of this year, focuses on preparing patients for surgery, an aspect that has become increasingly decisive in recovery. The doctor Carolina Blasspecialist in Internal Medicine, highlighted that “prehabilitation allows us to intervene before treatment, optimizing the clinical, functional and nutritional status of the patient.”

The program is based on the individualized strength exercise prescription, aligned with scientific evidence and international recommendations. This initiative is integrated into the oncological prehabilitation strategy that the hospital has developed in its Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Services, seeking to improve the quality of life of patients.

A comprehensive and collaborative approach

The collaboration between the Rey Juan Carlos University Hospital, the UAX and Forus is essential for the success of the program. A comprehensive assessment of the cancer patient is carried out, allowing their degree of fragility to be classified and an individualized intervention plan to be designed.

Physical exercise becomes a centerpiece of prehabilitation, as it has been shown to be effective in improving tolerance to treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, the aim is to optimize functional status prior to surgery and reduce post-surgical complications.

Patients who participate in the program are referred by doctors Blas and Miguel Aganzohospital nutritionist. Functional evaluations and imaging tests are carried out to design a personalized training plan. Raúl Notarydirector of the Physical Activity Area of ​​the UAX, coordinates the intervention together with the medical team.

“Exercise stops being advice and becomes treatment when there is clinical coordination,” said Notario. This experience also allows students to apply scientific evidence in a real clinical environment, acquiring key skills for their professional future.

Results and positive evaluations

Two months after its start, The program has shown positive results. Of the 30 patients treated, Ten have already been successfully operated on. The data indicate improvements in functional parameters, such as strength measured by dynamometry and in functional assessment tests.

The impact of the program goes beyond the clinical, as it also contributes to the emotional well-being of patients. By actively participating in their recovery process, patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life.

In parallel, research is being carried out to evaluate different nutritional intervention strategies. These initiatives seek to establish the program in other hospitals in the Community of Madrid, reflecting the commitment of the Rey Juan Carlos University Hospital to the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits.

Ana Ruiz, director of the Forus Foundation, highlighted that “participating in this project means promoting a model in which physical activity is naturally integrated into the preparation process.” This collaborative approach between university, hospital and sports sector seeks to generate a real and positive impact on the lives of patients.

With this initiative, the Rey Juan Carlos University Hospital, the UAX and Forus reinforce their commitment to a more integrative healthcare model, where interdisciplinary collaboration improves the patient’s experience and prognosis.