title: Deriving a preference-based measure for cancer using the EORTC QLQ-C30.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) is one of the most commonly used measures in cancer care but in its current form cannot be used in economic evaluation because it does not incorporate preferences. We address this gap by estimating a preference-based measure for cancer from the EORTC QLQ-C30.
  
  
  METHODS
  Factor analysis, Rasch analysis, and other psychometric analyses were undertaken on a clinical trial dataset of 655 patients with multiple myeloma to derive a health state classification system amenable to valuation. Second a valuation study was conducted of 350 members of the UK general population using time trade-off. Mean and individual-level multivariate regression models were fitted to derive preference weights for the classification system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The health state classification system has eight dimensions (physical functioning, role functioning, social functioning, emotional functioning, pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea) with four or five levels each. Regression models have few inconsistencies (0 to 2) in estimated preference weights and small mean absolute error ranges (0.046 to 0.054).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is feasible to derive a preference-based measure from the EORTC QLQ-C30 for use in economic evaluation. Future research will extend this to other countries and replicate across other patient groups.
authors.affiliation: Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, UK. d.rowen@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rowen
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brazier
authors.forename: Tracey
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gaugris
authors.forename: Benjamin M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.forename: Madeleine T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Galina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Velikova
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018803:Models, Economic; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome