Abstract
Esophageal and gastric cancers are aggressive diseases. Due to extensive treatment, many patients experience adverse effects such as dysphagia, dumping, pain, fatigue, fear of recurrence and depression—all negatively impacting quality of life (QoL).
The purpose of this study is to develop and test a follow-up model for patients after surgery for esophageal and gastric cancer. The model targets handling of adverse effects and psychosocial distress, aiming at improving patients’ QoL and functional level.
Methods
Development of the model follows recognized principles for complex interventions by the Medical Research Counsil. Extensive patient involvement is included in the development process, by means of a national patient advisory board.
The assumed effect of the new model will be tested in a national two-part prospective study, executed before and after national implementation of the model, in both parts including approximately200 patients. Participants will be recruited prior to surgery, and follow-up is one year. Patient-reported data will be collected pre-operatively, at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively, along with clinical and sociodemographic data.
Results
Development of the follow-up model after surgery will be completed in august 2020 and inclusion of patients for the prospective study part one, before implementation of the model, will commence summer 2020.
Conclusion
The perspectives of this study may be crucial for future follow-up of esophageal and gastric cancer patients. First, the extensive patient involvement in developing the model will ensure a patient-centred approach to follow-up. And second, the follow-up studies will provide important and up-to-date knowledge about clinical and patient-reported outcomes in a population-based, national cohort.
Quality of life: A critical outcome for all surgical treatments of gastric cancer
