Health-Related Quality of Life in Esophageal Cancer Survivorship
Summary
Esophageal cancer survival has improved but is often accompanied by lasting physical, psychological and social challenges that shape long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Survivors commonly contend with altered swallowing, nutritional difficulties, fatigue and emotional distress, reflecting both treatment sequelae and disease-related symptoms. The trajectory of HRQoL varies with treatment modality and stage at diagnosis, with surgical resection, chemoradiotherapy and supportive care interventions each exerting distinct impacts. Nutritional status, symptom management and psychosocial support are emerging as cornerstones of rehabilitation, aiming to restore function and mitigate isolation. Population-based studies reveal persistent deficits in physical and role functioning one year post-diagnosis, particularly among those managed with palliative intent or definitive chemoradiotherapy. Qualitative insights underscore the importance of tailored education, shared decision-making and integrated multidisciplinary follow-up to address unmet needs, optimise recovery and sustain daily activities. Recent research efforts are converging on standardised outcome measures, personalised supportive protocols and early palliative integration to enhance global survivorship care pathways.
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Health-Related Quality of Life in Esophageal Cancer Survivorship publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in health-related quality of life in esophageal cancer survivorship across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL): A multidimensional concept encompassing a patient’s perceived physical, emotional, social and functional well-being in relation to health conditions and treatments.
Dysphagia: Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, commonly experienced by esophageal cancer survivors as a result of tumour effects or treatment-related changes to the oesophageal structure.
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy (nCRT): Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy administered before surgical resection to shrink tumours and improve resectability.
Curative Intent vs Palliative Intent: Curative intent refers to treatment aimed at eliminating the disease and achieving long-term remission, whereas palliative intent focuses on symptom relief and maintaining quality of life without expectation of cure.
References
- Experiences and requirements in nutritional management of patients with esophageal cancer: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. Supportive Care in Cancer (2023).
- Health-related quality of life one year after the diagnosis of oesophageal cancer: a population-based study from the Swedish National Registry for Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer. BMC Cancer (2021).
- Symptoms, problems and quality of life in patients newly diagnosed with oesophageal and gastric cancer – a comparative study of treatment strategy. BMC Cancer (2022).
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