Quality of life measurements in anti-emetic trials: a discussion of Professor Selby's paper.
Our unit has not investigated quality of life measurements specifically, and therefore I would like to make some general comments on the presentations by Professor Selby and Dr. Lindley. There are a number of influencing factors which affect the quality of life of cancer patients. An effective anti-emetic reduces nausea and vomiting and this could have an impact on patient well-being during the period of cytotoxic treatment. The question is, 'Do new, more effective anti-emetics improve the overall quality of life of cancer patients?' In order to show this we need to define very carefully the patient population under consideration.
D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D010166:Palliative Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D005472:Fluorouracil; D008727:Methotrexate