title: Setting an Agenda for Assessment of Health-related Quality of Life Among Men with Prostate Cancer on Active Surveillance: A Consensus Paper from a European School of Oncology Task Force.
abstract: Literature on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for men with localized prostate cancer (PCa) on active surveillance (AS) shows a need for methodological guidance regarding HRQoL issues and how to address them.
  
  
  
  The European School of Oncology Task Force (ESO TF) aimed to identify a core set of research questions and related measures to include in AS HRQoL studies.
  
  
  
  A modified Delphi study was used to reach consensus on AS HRQoL research topics and tools between 2014 and 2015. Data were collected by engaging a multidisciplinary team of 15 experts.
  
  
  
  An open-ended questionnaire was used to collect information from ESO TF members regarding issues in AS HRQoL research. Then a structured questionnaire was used to collect ratings on the usefulness/importance of different AS HRQoL aspects. Items that ≥80% of ESO TF members rated as useful/important were retained. Items with a 50-80% rating were discussed to reach final agreement.
  
  
  
  Six main research questions concerning the selection of outcome measures, measurement tools, and comparison groups were identified as relevant. The core set of measures identified were related to individual characteristics, psychological dimensions; decision-making-related issues, and physical functioning. The multidisciplinary expertise of ESO TF members was a significant asset, even if bringing different backgrounds to the discussion table represented a challenge.
  
  
  
  HRQoL measures have to be sensitive to the specific needs of men on AS. The definition of HRQoL outcomes will enhance a broader understanding of the HRQoL of men on AS and sustain patient-centered medicine.
  
  
  
  An international panel agreed on a set of health-related quality-of-life aspects to be assessed among men on active surveillance for prostate cancer. Valid relevant questionnaires were identified. The experts' indications lay a foundation for future research and clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Villa
authors.affiliation: Institut für Medizinische Psychologie, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Friederike
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kendel
authors.affiliation: Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Lionne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Venderbos
authors.affiliation: Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Tiziana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rancati
authors.affiliation: Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bangma
authors.affiliation: Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.affiliation: Europa Uomo, Oncology Centre Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Denis
authors.affiliation: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Klotz
authors.affiliation: Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Ida J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Korfage
authors.affiliation: School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Athene J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.affiliation: Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Tiziana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Magnani
authors.affiliation: Europa Uomo, Oncology Centre Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mastris
authors.affiliation: Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rannikko
authors.affiliation: Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Monique
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roobol
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology, Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Trock
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Roderick
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Van den Bergh
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Hendrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Van Poppel
authors.affiliation: Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy; Università di Milano, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Valdagni
authors.affiliation: Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy. Electronic address: lara.bellardita@istitutotumori.mi.it.
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bellardita
mesh_terms: D026683:Advisory Committees; D003697:Delphi Technique; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D057832:Watchful Waiting / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Active surveillance; Health-related quality of life; Patient reported outcomes; Prostate cancer