PROMIS evaluation for head and neck cancer patients: a comprehensive quality-of-life outcomes assessment tool.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure Information System (PROMIS) in a head and neck cancer patient cohort by assessing the associations of the PROMIS instruments with the responses to the European Oncology Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) general measures, EORTC head and neck (H&N) measures, and Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10). We hypothesized that PROMIS scores are related to the other measures and may be used as assessment tools to help determine quality-of-life outcomes in head and neck cancer patients.


METHODS
Prospective baseline assessment of quality-of-life outcomes.


METHODS
Thirty-nine head and neck cancer patients were included in the study. PROMIS (domains of fatigue, physical functioning, sleep disturbance, sleep-related impairment, and negative perceived cognitive function, EORTC (general), EORTC H&N, and the VHI-10 were given to all patients at the onset of their cancer diagnosis. Spearman correlation coefficients were computed to assess relationships between the measures. Correlations with corresponding P values <.0083 (Bonferroni adjustment) were considered statistically significant. Descriptive statistics of means, standard deviations, medians, and ranges were computed for all the instruments and measures.


RESULTS
Significant correlations between the PROMIS instruments and EORTC functional scales were observed. The PROMIS instruments were also associated with some of the EORTC symptom scales, as well as some of the EORTC H&N symptoms measures. PROMIS fatigue instrument was significantly correlated with the VHI-10 measure.


CONCLUSIONS
PROMIS instruments are reasonable measures to determine quality-of-life outcomes in head and neck cancer patients. Computerized adaptive testing devices can be effectively utilized in this patient population.


METHODS
2c.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Medical Group, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
Robert J
RJ
Stachler
Lonni R
LR
Schultz
David
D
Nerenz
Kathleen L
KL
Yaremchuk
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D057566:Self Report; D012737:Sex Factors; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System; Quality-of-life assessment; computerized adaptive testing devices; head and neck cancer; outcomes