Archives of Hellenic Medicine

Last update:

24-May-2026

Arch Hellen Med, 43(Supplement 1), 2026, 120-126

CASE REPORT

Palliative nutrition therapy in esophageal cancer patients with metastasis

A. Avisiena,^1,2,5 N.M. Shofa,^1,2,6 R. Ekawati,⁷ B. Widodo,^3,4 T. Sugihartono^3,4
¹Internal Medicine Subspeciality Study Program, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya
²Internal Medicine Subspeciality Study Program, Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya
³Division of Gastroentero-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya
⁴Division of Gastroentero-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya
⁵Department of Endoscopy Unit of Internal Medicine, Bhakti Dharma Husada Surabaya General Hospital, Surabaya
⁶Department of Endoscopy Unit of Internal Medicine, Ibnu Sina Gresik General Academic Hospital, Jawa Timur
⁷Center of Gastroentero-Hepatology, Ciputra Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia

Esophageal cancer (EC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with a high incidence in Asia. Despite therapeutic advances, prognosis is poor in cases with distant metastasis. Malnutrition, which affects up to 85% of patients with cancer, worsens treatment tolerance and quality of life. We report a 50-year-old male with advanced EC, severe dysphagia, and weight loss who received dietary counseling, megestrol acetate, and a self-expandable metal stent for palliation. Nutritional and quality-of-life improvements were noted during chemotherapy; however, the patient's condition declined after several cycles. This case underscores the importance of integrated nutritional support, including enteral or parenteral routes, in optimizing palliative care for advanced EC.

Key words: Esophageal cancer, Nutrition support, Palliative care.