Nutritional support and immunonutrition in esophageal cancer – From perioperative care to long-term survivorship: A review

Mohamed Hussein; Tayfor Mohamed; Fatma Abdulla Mubarak; Fatmah Morad; Maryam Naser; Ayesha Humaira; Haala Amina; Manal Khan

doi:10.17305/bb.2025.13328

Authors

Mohamed Hussein Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dubai Medical College for Girls, Dubai Medical University, Dubai, UAE https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8158-0905
Tayfor Mohamed Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dubai Medical College for Girls, Dubai Medical University, Dubai, UAE
Fatma Abdulla Mubarak Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dubai Medical College for Girls, Dubai Medical University, Dubai, UAE
Fatmah Morad Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dubai Medical College for Girls, Dubai Medical University, Dubai, UAE
Maryam Naser Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dubai Medical College for Girls, Dubai Medical University, Dubai, UAE
Ayesha Humaira Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dubai Medical College for Girls, Dubai Medical University, Dubai, UAE
Haala Amina Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dubai Medical College for Girls, Dubai Medical University, Dubai, UAE
Manal Khan Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dubai Medical College for Girls, Dubai Medical University, Dubai, UAE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17305/bb.2025.13328

Keywords:

Esophageal cancer, nutritional therapy, immuno-nutrition, enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition, prehabilitation, precision nutrition, quality of life, oncological care

Abstract

Esophageal cancer is recognized as one of the most aggressive malignancies within the digestive system, with global survival rates typically falling below 20%. Malnutrition impacts up to 80% of patients, significantly affecting treatment tolerance, postoperative outcomes, and overall quality of life. Recent advancements in clinical nutrition and immunometabolism have transformed the perception of nutrition from a mere supportive measure to a vital therapeutic component in cancer care. This review synthesizes evidence from studies published between 2010 and 2025, exploring the effects of various nutritional strategies—including enteral, elemental, parenteral, immuno-nutritional, behavioral, and prehabilitative interventions—on metabolism, immune response, and clinical outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer. The findings demonstrate that targeted approaches such as immune-enhancing enteral formulations, omega-3-enriched parenteral nutrition, and structured dietary counseling can mitigate inflammation, preserve muscle mass, enhance treatment adherence, and improve psychological well-being. Overall, the literature supports the perspective of nutrition as a precision-based, integral component of multidisciplinary cancer management. Incorporating nutritional optimization throughout all stages of care—ranging from prehabilitation and perioperative support to survivorship and palliative management—can enhance metabolic resilience, promote faster recovery, and significantly improve the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

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