Sleep Problems Prior to Radio-chemotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Cancer of the Esophagus or the Esophagogastric Junction

BACKGROUND/AIM: Many patients with locally advanced cancer of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction receive definitive or neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Patient anticipation of this treatment can cause or aggravate distress and sleep disorders. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of sleep disorders and risk factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients assigned to radio-chemotherapy were retrospectively evaluated for pre-treatment sleep disorders. Investigated characteristics included age; sex; performance score; comorbidity index; previous malignancies; family history; distress score; emotional, physical or practical problems; tumor site; histology and grading; tumor stage; planned treatment; and relation to 2019 Coronavirus pandemic.

RESULTS: Sleep problems were reported by 15 patients (39.5%). Significant associations were found for higher distress scores (p=0.016) and greater numbers of emotional problems (p<0.0001). A trend was observed for greater numbers of physical problems (p=0.176).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sleep problems was high. Risk factors were found that can help identify patients requiring psychological support already prior to radio-chemotherapy.