Systematic review recommends the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer colorectal cancer–specific module for measuring quality of life in colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

Objectives: To critically appraise the measurement properties of standardized health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and to provide recommendations on the choice of HRQOL instruments. Study Design and Setting: Systematic review of English language literature published between January 1985 and May 2014 identified through a database search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Ovid MEDLINE. HRQOL instruments were rated on methodological quality and overall levels of evidence using a Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instrument checklist. Results: Internal consistency and hypothesis testing were evaluated most frequently in 63 studies identified. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C) was the most extensively evaluated. The highest number of positive ratings in the overall level of evidence was found in the CRC-specific quality of life questionnaire module (QLQ-CR38) in European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) module, followed by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bowel instrument, FACT-C, and Quick-FLIC. The EORTC QLQ-CR38 had the most positive ratings on measurement property and was recommended. Conclusion: The EORTC QLQ-CR38 was recommended to assess HRQOL in patients with CRC, regardless of disease stage and primary tumor site.