Quality of Life Indicators in Cancer Trials
Author Information
Author(s): Bernhard J, Sullivan M, Hürny C, Coates A S, Rudenstam C-M
Primary Institution: IBCSG Coordinating Center, Effingerstr. 40, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
Hypothesis
Global single-item quality-of-life indicators are less precise for specific treatment effects than multi-item scales but similarly efficient for overall treatment comparisons and changes over time.
Conclusion
Single-item quality-of-life indicators are less reliable than multi-item scales for discriminating between treatment effects but are still useful for evaluating overall treatment efficiency.
Supporting Evidence
- Discriminant validity was present at baseline but less under treatment.
- Responsiveness was demonstrated by the expected pattern among treatments.
- In patients without chemotherapy, moderate to large improvements were observed in various quality of life indicators.
- Patients with chemotherapy showed small but clinically significant improvements in mood and coping.
- Global indicators were confirmed to be efficient for evaluating treatments overall.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well different ways of measuring quality of life work for cancer patients, finding that longer surveys are better for understanding specific treatment effects.
Methodology
Compared linear analogue self-assessment indicators with multi-item scales in patients receiving adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer.
Limitations
Single-item indicators showed lower reliability, especially under treatment conditions.
Participant Demographics
Patients with early breast cancer receiving adjuvant therapy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.008
Statistical Significance
p=0.008
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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