Investigating the Quality of Life and Nutritional Status in Patients with Esophageal Cancer: A Cross-sectional Study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

4 Department of Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

5 Department of Nutrition, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

6 Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

7 Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

8 Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

9 Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional issues can negatively impact cancer patients' quality of life (QoL). The current study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and nutritional status of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on newly diagnosed esophageal cancer patients between February 2015 and February 2016. Demographic and disease-related data were collected. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC Core Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). At the same time, nutritional status was evaluated through the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, and laboratory tests. Physical performance was assessed using handgrip strength and the Karnofsky Performance Scale. Result: A total of 124 patients with esophageal cancer participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 66.84 ± 11.95 years. The mean physical function score was 79.67 ± 25.78, and the mean emotional function score was 65.50 ± 26.02. The average PG-SGA score was 13.15 ± 5.79, with 94% of participants scoring >3. More than half of the participants experienced moderate to severe weight loss. A significant difference was observed in the mean scores across various dimensions of QoL, except cognitive function, between patients with severe and non-severe malnutrition. Additionally, significant relationships were found between anorexia and financial (p = 0.016) and role functions (p = 0.028); living location and emotional function (p = 0.012) and social function (p = 0.001); dysphagia and physical function (p = 0.039); and global function (p < 0.001). Conclusion: A significant relationship was found between different aspects of QoL and malnutrition in patients with esophageal cancer. Therefore, these patients require nutritional interventions to improve their nutritional status and quality of life.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health
Volume 13, Issue 4
October 2025
Pages 259-266

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 04 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 12 March 2025

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