Clinical Stage III Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma AJCC v8

This study evaluates how the treatment for gastroesophageal cancer affects physical function in patients who receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment for gastroesophageal cancer.

This phase II trial compares the impact of subcutaneous (SC) nivolumab given in an in-home setting to an in-clinic setting on cancer care and quality of life. Currently, most drug-related cancer care is conducted in clinic type centers or hospitals which may isolate patients from family, friends and familiar surroundings for many hours per day. This separation adds to the physical, emotional, social, and financial burden for patients and their families. Traveling to and from medical facilities costs time, money, and effort and can be a disadvantage to patients living in rural areas, those with low incomes or poor access to transport. Studies have shown that cancer patients often feel more comfortable and secure being cared for in their own home environments. SC nivolumab in-home treatment may be safe, tolerable and/or effective when compared to in-clinic treatment and may reduce the burden of cancer and improve the quality of life in cancer patients.

This clinical trial tests an individually tailored, supervised, remote exercise intervention to improve physical function for stage I-III gastroesophageal cancer survivors. Modern treatments for gastroesophageal cancer are effective at treating the cancer but are often aggressive, can be difficult for patients to tolerate, and can lead to significant debilitation and a loss of independence. Exercise is one promising intervention that could improve physical function in patients with gastroesophageal cancer after finishing systemic treatment. Home based exercise interventions in patients with cancer during and after chemotherapy can improve fatigue and function. An individually tailored, supervised, remote exercise intervention may improve physical function for stage I-III gastroesophageal cancer survivors.