Nutritional Prehabilitation to Improve Cancer Outcomes (N-PICO)

Overview

Brief Summary The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the acceptability and adherence of low- and high-intensity remote nutritional interventions for cancer patients in rural and urban areas, specifically focusing on those with invasive cancer who are about to start treatment. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: Can low- and high-intensity remote nutritional interventions improve adherence to cancer treatment and quality of life? What is the impact of nutritional support on treatment delays, unplanned healthcare utilization, and dietary modifications? Researchers will compare the low-intensity arm (initial nutritional consultation plus written materials) to the high-intensity arm (1-hour consultation, monthly follow-ups, and written materials) to see if higher intensity interventions lead to better outcomes in terms of adherence, quality of life, and healthcare utilization. Participants will: Receive either a low- or high-intensity nutritional consultation. Complete surveys assessing quality of life, dietary habits, treatment delays, and unplanned healthcare use. Be asked to participate in monthly follow-up consultations (for the high-intensity group) to track progress and provide additional support.

This randomized, two-arm pilot study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical impact of low- and high-intensity remote nutritional interventions for patients with invasive cancer who are initiating treatment. The study targets both rural and urban populations and will enroll participants at the University of Vermont Cancer Center and affiliated sites across Vermont and northern New York. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two intervention arms: Low-Intensity Arm: Participants receive a one-time remote nutritional consultation and a packet of standardized educational materials, designed to provide foundational guidance on protein and calorie intake during cancer treatment. High-Intensity Arm: Participants receive an initial 1-hour consultation followed by monthly follow-up consultations (total of three across six weeks), in addition to the same educational materials. The goal is to offer personalized and sustained support throughout the course of treatment. The interventions are delivered remotely to reduce logistical burden and improve accessibility, particularly for patients in rural settings. The study's primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing these remote interventions, measured by participant adherence to scheduled consultations and dietary goals. Secondary objectives include assessments of acceptability (via structured participant surveys) and exploratory evaluation of changes in quality of life, dietary behaviors, treatment adherence, and unplanned healthcare utilization. Validated tools used include the FACT-G (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General), a brief satisfaction survey, and the NHANES Dietary Screener Questionnaire. Clinical and utilization data (e.g., treatment delays, emergency department visits, unplanned hospitalizations) will be abstracted from the medical record. This pilot study is intended to inform the design of a future larger trial by generating preliminary data on the practicality and clinical utility of nutritional prehabilitation strategies, especially for underserved cancer patients in rural areas.