Esophageal cancer: A global challenge requiring tailored strategies

Impact of Collaborative Empowerment Education on Psychological Distress, Quality of Life, and Nutritional Status in Esophageal Cancer Patients Undergoing Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

Esophageal cancer (EC) patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) often face significant psychological distress, impaired quality of life (QoL), and poor nutritional status. This study evaluates the impact of multidisciplinary collaborative empowerment education (MCEE) in addressing these challenges. According to the inclusion criteria, 160 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either the MCEE group (n = 80) or the control group (n = 80). The MCEE group received a tailored program consisting of psychological support, nutritional counseling, and educational interventions. Outcome measures, including psychological distress (using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), quality of life (using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire), and nutritional status (using hemoglobin, serum protein, and albumin levels), were evaluated at baseline and after four cycles of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Post-intervention, the MCEE group showed significant improvements in psychological distress. QoL improvements were noted across all functional domains, including physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functions (all Ps ≤ 0.001), with significant reductions in fatigue, insomnia, and pain. Nutritional status also improved, with higher levels of hemoglobin, serum protein, and albumin, as well as less weight loss in the intervention group (all Ps ≤ 0.001). MCEE effectively reduces psychological distress, improves QoL, and enhances nutritional status in EC patients undergoing CCRT. This patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach offers a promising strategy for improving treatment outcomes and overall well-being in cancer care.