So far 22 people have taken part in the trial, with 11 given a 16-week exercise programme while the others were not.
Researchers say the exercise programme, known as “prehabilitation”, can lead to fewer complications during chemotherapy and surgery through better cardiovascular health and muscular strength.
Dr David Bartlett, co-first author of the study, said: “If you have been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer this is the time we can give you some sort of ownership over your journey.”
Researchers are now looking to invite more cancer patients to be involved in a wider study to understand whether the earlier results can help to improve treatment on a larger scale.