Abstract
Aims: To investigate the changes in self-reported outcomes and body composition among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients over the course of chemotherapy and differences in body composition among different self-reported trajectory subgroups. Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Methods: This longitudinal study surveyed 201 CRC patients from a cancer hospital in Fuzhou, China. Collected via a patient-reported outcome questionnaire, a bioelectrical impedance analyzer, a grip strength meter, a 30-s standing and sitting test, body circumference measurements, and skinfold thickness measurements. We explored trends in the abovementioned variables in the early, middle, and late stages of chemotherapy in CRC patients and differences in body composition under different patient reporting trajectories. This study adhered to the relevant STROBE checklist-guided reporting. Results: The overall severity of the chemotherapy results reported by the patients increased from T1 to T2 (overall health outcome: -7.51%; function: -2.55%; and symptoms: 0.67%), followed by a slow recovery (overall health outcome: 1.31%; function: 1.83%; and symptoms: -2.79%). Different trajectory subgroups were observed, indicating the complexity of the patients' experiences during chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, obesity-related indicators (weight, BMI, body fat rate, etc.) significantly increased (p < 0.05). Although skeletal muscle mass did not change significantly over time (p > 0.05), the overall outcome and symptom trajectory subgroups reported by the patients during chemotherapy (p < 0.05) were significantly different. Conclusions: It is necessary for healthcare workers to conduct dynamic assessments of patients with moderate to severe self-reported results as early as possible, give attention to the deterioration of body composition during chemotherapy, and explore effective measures to improve patients' body compositions to further optimize the patient experience. Implications for Nursing Management: Nursing managers should promptly monitor patients' body composition and subjective experiences changes during treatment. Customized supportive care based on body composition measurements to optimize health outcomes, enhancing the personalization and precision of medical services.