Comprehensive needs among patients with gastrointestinal cancer receiving chemotherapy: A cross-sectional latent profile analysis

Objective To identify latent profiles of comprehensive needs among patients with gastrointestinal cancer receiving chemotherapy and examine factors associated with profile membership. Methods This cross-sectional study included 341 adults with gastrointestinal cancer receiving chemotherapy at a tertiary hospital in Qingdao, China, from October 2024 to June 2025. Participants completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool in Cancer, Strategies Used by People to Promote Health, Family APGAR Index, Comprehensive Scores for Financial Toxicity based on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, and Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form. Latent profile analysis was conducted using the eight CNAT domain scores. Factors associated with profile membership were examined using multinomial logistic regression with the three-step approach. Results Three profiles were identified based on most likely class membership: low needs-information priority group (38.1%), moderate needs-balanced group (40.5%), and high needs-medical priority group (21.4%). Education level, primary tumor site, number of chemotherapy cycles, stage, financial toxicity, self-management efficacy, and fear of progression were associated with profile membership. Conclusions Comprehensive needs varied across three latent profiles. These exploratory profiles may support stratified needs assessment and supportive care planning. External validation in multicenter prospective studies is required before profile-based care is implemented.