SynthesisPsycho-oncology2026
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient Experiences of Oesophageal Cancer Survivorship After Oesophagectomy.
Synthesis in Psycho-oncology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundDespite improving survival rates, the complexity of post-operative survivorship for oesophageal cancer patients remains poorly understood. This mixed-methods review explores quantitative health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes and qualitative survivor experiences to provide a comprehensive, person-centred perspective.
methodsA convergent synthesis framework was employed to examine patient perspectives on survivorship following oesophageal cancer resection. A systematic search of the literature was undertaken across four databases to identify studies reporting EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES18 outcomes and qualitative research exploring post-operative experiences. Quantitative studies underwent random-effects meta-analysis to examine HRQoL trajectories from baseline to 5 years post-operatively. Qualitative studies underwent thematic synthesis following Thomas and Harden's established three-stage framework.
resultsFifty-seven studies were included, consisting of 40 quantitative and 17 qualitative studies. HRQoL followed a triphasic pattern with a marked deterioration at 6 months, partial recovery by 12-36 months, followed by a plateau with persistent symptoms at 5 years. Reflux, eating restriction and fatigue were the most prevalent symptoms following oesophagectomy. Thematic synthesis identified five domains of oesophageal cancer survivorship; digestive disruption, physical impairment, psychosocial impact, navigating healthcare and support systems, and striving for normalcy. Qualitative accounts revealed challenges under-represented in quantitative measures, including an altered relationship with food, fear of recurrence, as well as identity loss.
conclusionsPost-oesophagectomy survivorship is a sustained process of adaptation, not a return to baseline health. Current oncology-centred care models overlook chronic, multidimensional needs of patients. Integrated survivorship pathways combining nutritional support, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support are essential to restore agency and improve long-term wellbeing.
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