Trajectory changes of symptom clusters in patients with concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer: a prospective longitudinal study

Objective To identify the trajectory changes of symptom clusters during concurrent chemoradiotherapy in cervical cancer patients and to explore the heterogeneity of symptom experience among different patients. Methods From June 2024 to June 2025, 150 patients with cervical cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy at a tertiary-level hospital in Anhui Province were selected as the study subjects. A general information questionnaire and the Symptom Assessment Scale for Patients with Intermediate-Advanced Cervical Cancer Undergoing Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy were used to conduct a questionnaire survey at the end of 10 radiotherapy sessions (T1), the end of 20 radiotherapy sessions (T2), the end of radiotherapy (T3), and 3 months after the end of radiotherapy (T4). The Group-based Trajectory Model (GBTM) was used to identify the trajectory changes of symptom clusters during concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Results This study found that the symptom trajectories during concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer could be divided into four categories: low symptom burden group (n=77, 51.33%), moderate symptom burden group (n=16, 10.67%), high symptom burden group (n=36, 24%), and moderate symptom burden - delayed symptom group (n=21, 14%). There were statistically significant differences among the four categories in terms of disease duration, surgical history, and presence of other chronic diseases ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Healthcare professionals should closely monitor symptom changes in cervical cancer patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy, identify symptom clusters early, and implement individualized and precise symptom management strategies.