Does baseline quality of life predict the occurrence of complications in resectable esophageal cancer?

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of baseline health related quality of life (HRQOL) on the occurrence of postoperative complications and death in patients with resectable esophageal cancer.

Methods: Existing data from a prospective, multicenter, open label, randomized, controlled phase III trial comparing hybrid versus open esophagectomy in patients with resectable esophageal cancer from 2009 to 2012 in France were used. A Cox regression model was used to assess the prognostic value of the baseline HRQOL score on the occurrence of major complications (MC), and major pulmonary complications (MPC) at 30 days post-surgery, as well as on 1-year postoperative overall survival (OS).