Progressive postresection program (pPRP) after pancreatic resection: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND At the time of initial diagnosis, only 15-20% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with a resectable disease. Patients with pancreatic cancer face a poor prognosis. Progression-free survival and overall survival rates are very limited, so it is important to develop concepts to improve the quality of life for their remaining lives. METHODS/DESIGN The proposed trial is a randomized controlled intervention study. After pancreatic resection, the intervention group (cohort A, n = 30 patients) will take part in an intensified physiotherapy program consisting of endurance and muscle force exercises. The control group (cohort B, n = 30 patients) will take part in standard physiotherapy. Both groups will receive dietary counseling and, if necessary, substitution for endocrine/exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Quality of life will be evaluated using the Short Form-8 Health Survey and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30/QLQ-PAN26 questionnaires. DISCUSSION The aim of this study is to investigate whether intensive physiotherapy improves the quality of life of patients after pancreatic resection. If the results for the intervention group are positive, a multicenter study should be performed with appropriate statistical power. The progressive postresection program includes a structured follow-up after pancreatic resection. In this study, all patients will undergo abdominal computed tomography for follow-up 6 and 12 months postoperatively. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00006786. Date of registration 1 October 2014.