Health-related quality of life in non-small-cell lung cancer: an update of a systematic review on methodologic issues in randomized controlled trials.

TitleHealth-related quality of life in non-small-cell lung cancer: an update of a systematic review on methodologic issues in randomized controlled trials.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsClaassens L, van Meerbeeck J, Coens C, Quinten C, Ghislain I, Sloan EK, Wang XShelly, Velikova G, Bottomley A
JournalJ Clin Oncol
Volume29
Issue15
Pagination2104-20
Date Published2011 May 20
ISSN1527-7755
KeywordsCarcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung, Health Status, Humans, Lung Neoplasms, Outcome Assessment (Health Care), Quality of Life, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Research Design
Abstract

PURPOSE: This study is an update of a systematic review of health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) methodology reporting in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The objective was to evaluate HRQOL methodology reporting over the last decade and its benefit for clinical decision making.

METHODS: A MEDLINE systematic literature review was performed. Eligible RCTs implemented patient-reported HRQOL assessments and regular oncology treatments for newly diagnosed adult patients with NSCLC. Included studies were published in English from August 2002 to July 2010. Two independent reviewers evaluated all included RCTs.

RESULTS: Fifty-three RCTs were assessed. Of the 53 RCTs, 81% reported that there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS). However, 50% of RCTs that were unable to find OS differences reported a significant difference in HRQOL scores. The quality of HRQOL reporting has improved; both reporting of clinically significant differences and statistical testing of HRQOL have improved. A European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer HRQOL questionnaire was used in 57% of the studies. However, reporting of HRQOL hypotheses and rationales for choosing HRQOL instruments were significantly less than before 2002 (P < .05).

CONCLUSION: The number of NSCLC RCTs incorporating HRQOL assessments has considerably increased. HRQOL continues to demonstrate its importance in RCTs, especially in those studies in which no OS difference is found. Despite the improved quality of HRQOL methodology reporting, certain aspects remain underrepresented. Our findings suggest need for an international standardization of HRQOL reporting similar to the CONSORT guidelines for clinical findings.

DOI10.1200/JCO.2010.32.3683
Alternate JournalJ. Clin. Oncol.
PubMed ID21464420
PubMed Central IDPMC3138547
Grant List5U10CA011488-39 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
5U10CA011488-40 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
7424 / / Cancer Research UK / United Kingdom