Psychosocial Interventions for Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Psychosocial challenges are common following cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Limited evidence exists on psychosocial interventions for gastrointestinal cancer surgery patients.
• This study synthesizes current research on these interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize evidence on psychosocial interventions for gastrointestinal cancer surgery patients.
• To characterize intervention types and delivery methods.
• To assess impacts on quality of life, anxiety, and depression.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from five databases (searched up to December 2024).
• Included adult patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery.
• Data abstraction and narrative synthesis of intervention characteristics and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 27 studies (2005-2024) evaluated diverse interventions: education, behavioral training, psychotherapy, emotional support, and multimodal approaches.
• Significant improvements reported in quality of life (56.3%), anxiety (75%), and depression (66.7%) in studies assessing these outcomes.
• Interventions varied widely in modality, delivery, timing, and duration.

Conclusions:

• Psychosocial interventions may enhance quality of life and mental well-being in gastrointestinal cancer surgery patients.
• Heterogeneity in interventions necessitates further research.
• Identifying optimal intervention components and target populations is crucial for future development.