Exercise Guidelines in Pancreatic Cancer Based on the Dietz Model

Abstract

Pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers are associated with debility, frailty, and chemotherapy regiments with significant toxicity. Practical exercise guidelines to combat these ailments and optimize functional status are lacking. We present a model for exercise for these cancers based on the Dietz framework for rehabilitation in cancer. The Dietz framework for rehabilitation describes four phases of rehabilitation including preventative (prehabilitation), restorative, supportive, and palliative. We present practical guidelines for exercise at each phase. Prehabilitation seeks to optimize functional performance typically prior to surgical resection and may occur concurrently with neoadjuvant therapy. Restorative rehabilitation occurs following the development of a physical deficit such as after surgery and may utilize skilled therapies in the inpatient, subacute, outpatient, and home settings to address functional impairments. Supportive rehabilitation occurs during stable disease or remission and depends on the frequent monitoring of functional status and particularly the development of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy to ensure timely exercise interventions. Palliative rehabilitation occurs at the end stage of life and shifts to a focus on patient comfort and safety. Exercise is a critical component of treatment in cancer demonstrating numerous quality-of-life benefits. The customization of exercise recommendations to individual patients based on their functional status and phase in treatment is essential for safety and adherence.