Evaluating the health-related quality of life of esophageal cancer patients

The current norm of esophageal treatment includes any combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The effectiveness of medical intervention has been predominantly assessed by morbidity, mortality and disease-free survival in the past. As patients' life expectancies lengthened from advances in treatment modalities, recent movements have shifted to acknowledge patients' health-related quality of life as an important outcome measure. The general trend for the use of multimodal treatments of esophageal cancer indicates an initial degradation of many aspects of HRQoL; however, without postoperative recovery delay related to neoadjuvant treatment. Several recent studies aimed to define aspects of HRQoL as prognostic indicators of esophageal cancer patients that may influence survival. It is imperative for practicing physicians to discuss these concepts with patients as they may cope with treatment complications more favorably if they are informed.