Quality-of-life assessment in colorectal cancer patients: evaluation of cancer therapies.
There is increasing recognition of the need to assess the impact of colorectal cancer and its treatment on patients' quality of life (QL). An overview is provided of generic and (colorectal) cancer-specific QL questionnaires that yield adequate levels of reliability and validity. These measures have been or could be used in clinical research settings among colorectal cancer patients. Additionally, QL-based studies in colorectal cancer aimed at identifying the most optimal (cost-) effective treatment, or the parameters that best predict objective outcome, are described and exemplified. As is illustrated, QL data complement clinical outcomes and are essential to further improve the treatment and care of colorectal cancer patients and to support decision-making.
Sprangers
M A
MA
Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile