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Trajectories of Symptom Clusters and Their Predictive Factors in Patients With Colorectal Cancer 3 Months After Surgery: A Longitudinal Study

  • 0Department of Nursing, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
Cancer Medicine +

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July 14, 2025

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July 14, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients show two symptom patterns post-surgery: continuous decline or initial decrease then increase. Identifying high-risk patients early can improve outcomes.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Symptom Science
  • Health Services Research

Background

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery significantly impacts patient recovery and quality of life.
  • Understanding symptom trajectories post-CRC surgery is crucial for effective patient management.
  • Symptom clusters and their dynamic changes require detailed investigation.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To analyze symptom cluster changes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients within three months post-surgery.
  • To identify predictive factors associated with different symptom trajectory patterns.
  • To inform targeted interventions for improving postoperative recovery in CRC patients.

Main Methods

  • Prospective longitudinal observational study involving 240 CRC patients undergoing surgery.
  • Symptom assessment using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Gastrointestinal Cancer Module at 7 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months.
  • Exploratory factor analysis and latent class growth modeling to identify symptom clusters and trajectories; logistic regression for predictor analysis.

Main Results

  • Two distinct symptom trajectories were identified: 'low symptoms-continuous decline' (82.8%) and 'high symptom-decreases and then increases' (17.2%).
  • The 'high symptom-decreases and then increases' group had significantly higher symptom severity.
  • Predictors for the 'high symptom-decreases and then increases' trajectory included multimorbidity, chronic lung disease, preoperative frailty, anxiety/depression, open surgery, and chemotherapy.

Conclusions

  • Targeted management of mood-sleep and activity intolerance symptom clusters can enhance patient quality of life.
  • The 'high symptom-decreases and then increases' subgroup requires prioritized clinical attention.
  • Early intervention for predictive factors like frailty, anxiety, and depression is recommended to improve postoperative outcomes.

Keywords:

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