The EORTC cancer in-patient satisfaction with care questionnaire: EORTC IN-PATSAT32

Objectives  The EORTC Quality of Life (QL) Group has developed a questionnaire (the EORTC IN-PATSAT32) to assess the satisfaction of cancer inpatients with hospital-based care. In this study we assess the psychometric properties of the EORTC IN-PATSAT32 applied to a sample of Spanish patients. Materials and methods  Eighty cancer patients with different tumour sites completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC IN-PATSAT32 questionnaires. Psychometric evaluation of the structure, reliability and validity was conducted. Results  Multitrait scaling analysis showed that most itemscale correlation coefficients met the standards of convergent and discriminant validity. Cronbach’s coefficients were good (0.77–0.97) for all scales except hospital access. Correlations between the scales and single items of the QLQ-C30 and EORTC IN-PATSAT32 were generally low. Correlations between the Oberst scales and an item on intention to recommend the hospital or ward to others with the EORTC IN-PATSAT32 were moderate. Patients with higher scores on the Oberst scales and the item on intention to recommend the hospital or ward showed higher satisfaction with care levels in all EORTC IN-PATSAT32 areas but one. Conclusions  The EORTC IN-PATSAT32 appears to be a reliable and valid instrument when applied to a sample of Spanish cancer patients. These results are in line with those of the EORTC validation study.     

An international field study of the EORTC QLQ-PR25: a questionnaire for assessing the health-related quality of life of patients with prostate cancer

AimTo evaluate the psychometrics of the EORTC QLQ-PR25, a questionnaire assessing the health-related quality of life of prostate cancer patients.MethodsThe QLQ-PR25 and the QLQ-C30 were administered to 642 prostate cancer patients from 13 countries treated with curative or palliative intent. The QLQ-PR25 assesses urinary, bowel and sexual symptoms and functioning, and the side-effects of hormonal treatment.ResultsFive hundred and nine patients were available for the final analysis. Multitrait scaling analyses confirmed the hypothesised scale structure of the QLQ-PR25. Internal consistency reliability was good (coefficient α = 0.70–0.86) for the urinary symptoms and sexual function scales, but lower for the bowel function and side-effects of hormonal treatment scales (α < 0.70). The module discriminated clearly between clinically distinct patient subgroups, and was responsive to changes in health status over time.ConclusionIn general, the QLQ-PR25 demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties and clinical validity. Some caution should be used in interpreting the bowel function and side-effects of hormonal therapy scales; results can be reported at the individual item and scale level.     

The EORTC quality of life questionnaire for patients with colorectal cancer: EORTC QLQ-CR29 validation study for Spanish patients

Introduction  

The EORTC Quality of Life (QL) Group has developed a questionnaire -the EORTC QLQ-CR29- for evaluating QL in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the EORTC QLQ-CR29 when applied to a sample of Spanish patients.     

Development of an EORTC disease-specific quality of life module for use in patients with gastric cancer

Quality of life (QL) is an important outcome in clinical trials in oncology. There is currently no valid international QL measure for gastric cancer. This paper describes the development of a QL module for gastric cancer to supplement the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of life (QLQ-C30) questionnaire. Phases I to III of module development were conducted in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain according to EORTC QL Group guidelines. Twenty relevant QL issues were generated from the literature and interviews with health professionals (n=24) and patients (n=58). This produced a 24 item provisional module. Further testing in 115 patients resulted in the QLQ-STO22, containing 22 questions, conceptualised into five scales and four single items, related to disease symptoms, treatment side-effects and emotional issues specific to gastric cancer. The use of the QLQ-C30 supplemented by the QLQ-STO22 will provide a comprehensive QL measure for international trials in gastric cancer.     

Development of an EORTC disease-specific quality of life questionnaire for use in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Quality of life (QL) is an important outcome measure within clinical trials. This paper describes the development of a QL module for patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) to supplement the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core QL questionnaire, the EORTC QLQ-C30. Phases 1-3 of the EORTC QL Group guidelines for developing QL modules were followed. The literature search generated 71 QL issues. Semi-structured interviews with eight healthcare professionals and 47 patients from the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Austria reduced the list to 23 issues. Questionnaire items were formulated to be compatible with the EORTC QLQ-C30. The provisional module was further tested in 102 patients resulting in a 21-item module, the QLQ-LMC21 (Liver Metastases Colorectal). A combination of the core questionnaire and the QLQ-LMC21 will provide essential QL information regarding the use of treatments in both the curative and palliative settings.     

The EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) Quality of Life questionnaire: validation study for Spain with head and neck cancer patients

The EORTC Quality of Life Study Group has developed a questionnaire for evaluating Quality of Life in international clinical trials: QLQ-C30. The purpose of the present work is to validate the third version of this questionnaire (3.0) for use in Spain.Two hundred and one head and neck cancer patients completed the QLQ-C30 at one or two time points during the treatment and follow-up periods, and a subsample completed the questionnaire on three occasions. Psychometric evaluation of the structure, reliability and validity of the questionnaire was undertaken.The data support the structure and the reliability of the scales. Validity was confirmed in three ways: the interscale correlations are statistically significant and moderate, several scales and items discriminate among groups of patients with different scores on the clinical variables, and some scales reflect significant changes during treatment and the follow-up period.The EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) is a reliable and valid questionnaire when applied to a sample of Spanish head and neck cancer patients. These results are in line with previous studies.     

Quality of life in urologic oncology: new aspects

Prostate cancer, bladder cancer, renal cancer and testicular cancer are the most frequent malignancies in urology. Additional to parameters such as patient age, course of the disease, different forms of therapy and survival rates, quality of life is gaining more importance. This parameter is usually evaluated using general and disease-specific questionnaires. The SF-36 and the QLQ-C30 (EORTC) questionnaires are well established to determine quality of life in general. Disease-specific questionnaires for renal cancer and testicular cancer are currently under development. Bladder cancer can be evaluated by two EORTC modules investigating parameters such as voiding, bowel function and sexual function. The QLQ-BLS24 is made for patients with superficial bladder cancer and contains 24 questions. Also, side effects from intravesical therapy and repeated cystoscopies are determined. The QLQ-BLM30 is used for invasive bladder cancer. There are 30 questions to determine the impact of a urostoma () or repeated catheterization. For prostate cancer many disease-specific questionnaires are available, however, only few are translated into German. One is the prostate cancer module QLQ-PR25 with 25 questions highlighting side effects (voiding, bowel function, sexual function) from prostatectomy, radiotherapy or antihormonal therapy. Despite problems when comparing different studies concerning quality of life in patients with localized prostate cancer one finds that radical prostatectomy is inferior in terms of continence, inferior or equal concerning sexual function and superior with respect to bowel function when compared with radiotherapy. It is noteworthy that there is no difference between prostatectomy and radiotherapy with respect to overall quality of life. Beside the development of disease-specific questionnaires, a future major issue is the standardized determination of the parameter quality of life to achieve a basis to compare the results of different studies.     

The EORTC information questionnaire,EORTC QLQ-INFO25. Validation study for Spanish patients

Introduction  

The EORTC QLQ-INFO25 evaluates the information received by cancer patients. This study assesses the psychometric properties of the QLQ-INFO25 when applied to a sample of Spanish patients.     

An international validation study of the EORTC QLQ-INFO25 questionnaire: An instrument to assess the information given to cancer patients

AimThe EORTC Quality of Life (QOL) Group has developed an instrument to evaluate the information received by cancer patients. This study assessed the psychometric characteristics of the EORTC INFO module in a large international/multi-cultural sample of cancer patients.MethodsThe provisional 26-item information module (EORTC INFO26) was administered with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the information scales of the inpatient satisfaction module EORTC IN-PATSAT32 on two occasions during the patients’ treatment and follow-up period. Questionnaire-hypothesised scale structure, reliability, validity and responsiveness to changes were evaluated through standard psychometric analyses. Patient acceptability was assessed with a debriefing questionnaire.ResultsThe study comprised 509 patients from 8 countries (7 European countries and Taiwan) with different cancers and disease stages. Multi-trait scaling analysis led to the deletion of one item but confirmed the hypothesised 4 multi-item scales (information about disease, medical tests, treatment and other services) and eight single items. Internal consistency for all scales was good (α > 0.70), as was test–retest reliability (intraclass correlations > 0.70). All items can be combined to generate a single score (α > 0.90). Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations with related areas of IN-PATSAT32 (r > 0.40). Low correlations with EORTC QLQ-C30 scales confirmed divergent validity (r < 0.30) The EORTC INFO-25 module discriminated among groups based on gender, age, education, levels of anxiety and depression, information wishes and satisfaction. Only one scale captured changes over time.ConclusionsThe EORTC QLQ-INFO 25 is a reliable and valid self-reported instrument. The module can be used in cross-cultural observational and intervention studies.     

Psychometric properties of the simplified Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-BR53 for measuring quality of life for breast cancer patients

A Simplified Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-BR53 was evaluated using responses from 233 patients with breast cancer in China by assessing the construct and criterion-related validity, internal consistency and test–retest reliability, and responsiveness as measured by score changes of the scales. Internal consistency reliability measured by Cronbach’s coefficient α is greater than 0.75 for most multi-item scales except cognitive functioning (0.41) and breast symptoms (0.71). Test–retest reliability coefficients for all domains are greater than 0.80 with the exception of physical functioning (0.65), social functioning (0.75), appetite loss (0.75), diarrhea (0.72), and body image (0.72). Correlation and factor analysis among domains and items showed good construct validity for both QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23. Score changes over time were observed in most domains except emotional functioning, global health status/QOL, dyspnoea, constipation, diarrhea, financial difficulties, sexual functioning, sexual enjoyment, and breast symptoms. Therefore, the Simplified Chinese version of QLQ-BR53 shows reasonable validity, reliability, and responsiveness and can be used to measure QOL for Chinese patients with breast cancer.     

The EORTC Core Quality of Life questionnaire (QLQ-C30): validity and reliability when analysed with patients treated with palliative radiotherapy

The EORTC Core Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) is designed to measure cancer patients' physical, psychological and social functions. The questionnaire is composed of multi-item scales and single items. 247 patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 before palliative radiotherapy and 181 after palliative radiotherapy. The questionnaire was well accepted with a high completion rate in the present patient population consisting of advanced cancer patients with short life expectancy. In addition, the questionnaire was found to be useful to detect the effect of palliative radiotherapy over time. The scale reliability was excellent for all scales except the role functioning scale. Excellent criterion validity was found for the emotional functioning scale where it was correlated with GHQ-20. Performance of the questionnaire was improved after the second evaluation as compared with the first. The present study shows that the EORTC QLQ-C30 is found to be practical and valid in measuring quality of life in patients with advanced disease.     

The construction and testing of the EORTC colorectal cancer-specific quality of life questionnaire module (QLQ-CR38)

The objectives of the current study were to construct a colorectal cancer-specific quality of life (QL) questionnaire module to be used in conjunction with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and to test its reliability and validity in The Netherlands. Module construction took place following the EORTC guidelines for module development. The module—the QLQ-CR38—consists of 38 items covering symptoms and side-effects related to different treatment modalities, body image, sexuality and future perspective. This module was tested among 117 colorectal cancer patients on several occasions. The timing was prior to treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, during treatment and 3 months following the second assessment. For purposes of test–retest reliability, a subsample of patients completed the QLQ-CR38 1 week following the third assessment. Multitrait scaling analysis confirmed the hypothesised scale structure of the function scales but not of the symptom scales. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for seven of the nine scales exceeded the 0.70 criterion at one or both assessments. The test–retest reliability for all scales and one single item was 0.78 or higher. The stability of the two remaining single items was lower. On the basis of known-groups comparisons, selective scales distinguished clearly between patients differing in disease stage, initial and on-treatment performance status and the presence of a stoma. Additionally, selective scales detected change over time as a function of change in performance status and treatment-induced change. These results lend support to the clinical validity of the QLQ-CR38 as a supplementary questionnaire for assessing specific QL issues relevant to patients with colorectal cancer. Additional efforts to test the module’s cross-cultural validity are needed.     

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality-of-Life questionnaire cervical cancer module: EORTC QLQ-CX24

BACKGROUND: The authors report on the development and validation of a cervical cancer module for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality-of-Life (QoL) questionnaire (QLQ), which was designed to assess disease-specific and treatment-specific aspects of QoL in patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: The cervical cancer module (EORTC QLQ-CX24) was developed in a multicultural, multidisciplinary setting to supplement the EORTC QLQ-C30 core questionnaire. The QLQ-C30 and the cervical cancer module were administered to 346 patients with cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Psychometric analyses were performed by using data from 2 independent samples. RESULTS: The QLQ-CX24 consists of 3 multiitem scales and 5 single-item scales. Multitrait scaling analyses revealed high internal consistencies for the subscales with Cronbach alpha coefficients ranging from .72 to .87 (Symptom Experience, .72; Body Image, .86; Sexual/Vaginal Functioning, .87). Convergent and discriminant validity were fulfilled with scaling errors below 3%. The QLQ-CX24 was capable of discriminating between clinical subgroups. All items exhibited good compliance with <3% missing values. Most patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-CX24 in <15 minutes (86%), and many did not require any assistance to complete the questionnaires (65%). CONCLUSIONS: The current psychometric analyses supported the content and construct validity and the reliability of the EORTC QLQ-CX24 module. This newly developed module is a useful instrument for assessing the QoL of patients who are treated for cervical cancer both in clinical trials and in clinical practice.     

Validation of the Turkish Versions of EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 Modules in Breast Cancer Patients

Purpose: To test the validity and reliability of The European Organization for Research and Treatment ofCancer (EORTC) core (QLQ-C30) and breast cancer module (QLQ-BR23) for Turkish breast cancer patients.Patients and Methods: A total of 127 patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) enrolled to this prospective study.EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 modules applied to patients before initiation of RT and at follow-up period.Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS 13.0. Results: Questionnaires’ were found reliable and valid forTurkish breast cancer patients. Six of the 8 multi-item scales of QLQ-C30 had a high reliability (Cronbach’s α>0.7); where physical functioning and pain scores were less reliable (Cronbach’s α of 0.66 and 0.68 respectively).In the QLQ-BR23, 3 of 5 multi-item scales were reliable; less reliable were breast and arm symptoms scale(Cronbach’s α of 0.65 and 0.61 respectively). In our analysis the most determinative subscales of QLQ-C30on global health was emotional functioning followed by fatigue, role functioning and appetite loss (respectivelyp=0.002, p=0.01; p=0.03 and p=0.08). Among QLQ-BR23 scales systemic therapy side effects, future perspectiveand upset by hair loss subscales had high impact on global health status (respectively p=0.006; p=0.01 and p=0.03).Conclusions: The Turkish version of EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 modules are reliable and valid tools toassess quality of life of Turkish breast cancer patients.     

Health-related quality of life in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer after 76 Gy intensity-modulated radiotherapy vs. 70 Gy conformal radiotherapy in a prospective and longitudinal study

PURPOSE: To compare quality of life (QoL) after 70 Gy conformal radiotherapy with QoL after 76 Gy intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with locally advanced prostate carcinoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Seventy-eight patients with locally advanced prostate cancer were treated with 70 Gy three-field conformal radiotherapy, and 92 patients received 76 Gy IMRT with fiducial markers for position verification. Quality of life was measured by RAND-36, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30(+3)), and the prostate-specific EORTC QLQ-PR25, before radiotherapy (baseline) and 1 month and 6 months after treatment. Quality of life changes in time (baseline vs. 1 month and baseline vs. 6 months) of > or =10 points were considered clinically relevant. RESULTS: Differences between the treatment groups for QoL changes over time occurred in several QoL domains. The 76-Gy group revealed no significant deterioration in QoL compared with the 70-Gy group. The IMRT 76-Gy group even demonstrated a significantly better change in QoL from baseline to 1 month in several domains. The conformal 70-Gy group revealed temporary deterioration in pain, role functioning, and urinary symptoms; for the IMRT 76-Gy group a better QoL in terms of change in health existed after 1 month, which persisted after 6 months. For both treatment groups temporary deterioration in physical role restriction occurred after 1 month, and an improvement in emotional role restriction occurred after 6 months. Sexual activity was reduced after treatment for both groups and remained decreased after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy and accurate position verification seem to provide a possibility to increase the radiation dose for prostate cancer without deterioration in QoL.     

Quality of life in patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with second-line chemotherapy

Objective: Despite many trials of systemic chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer, treatment after failure with first-line chemotherapy remains controversial. We prospectively assessed quality of life (QL) in gastric cancer patients treated with second-line chemotherapy. Methods: Forty-three patients who received second-line chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) at baseline and at regular intervals during and after chemotherapy. Results: Compliance with QL questionnaire completion decreased to 72% after third cycle of treatment. In general, clinically meaningful improvements compared with baseline (change QLQ-C30 scores ≥10) were seen in a number of domains and items, including global health/QL, emotional function, cognitive function and all of the symptom scales and single items but appetite. There was no difference in QL between responders and non-responders (P=0.473). At baseline, 27 (63%) patients were suspected to have anxiety or depressive disorder (HADS score ≥11), and this incidence decreased after chemotherapy (14.7 vs 9.5; P<0.001). Conclusion: Improvements from baseline in QL measures and HADS scores were demonstrated in patients with advanced gastric cancer, treated with second-line chemotherapy.     

Quality of life assessment and research in the EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer)

Abstract: Quality of Life (QOL) assessment and research within the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has become increasingly important over the past 25 years, starting already in 1979 with the founding of the EORTC Quality of Life Group (EORTC QLG), and QOL has become part of many cancer clinical trial protocols in different ways. This paper briefly presents an overview of QOL within the EORTC, the development of the QLQ-C30 instrument, the construction of specific modules, issues of cross-cultural validation and translation, and the various other activities of the QLG and the Data Centre Quality of Life Unit (QLU). The article also includes key findings from selected QOL studies published by the EORTC, highlighting this large international clinical trial organisation’s contribution to this field of oncology. Qualité de vie     

Evaluation of the information given to patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery using the EORTC QLQ-INFO25 questionnaire: A prospective multicentric study

AimProviding head and neck cancer patients with adequate information is essential to their confidence and satisfaction regarding medical care. The aims of this study were to evaluate patient perceptions of the information received, the predictive factors of such perceptions and their potential correlation with patient quality of life (QoL).MethodsWe conducted a prospective multicentric study using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-INFO25 and QLQ-C30 questionnaires before and after surgery.ResultsThis study enrolled 200 patients, 149 men and 51 women, mean age 63.5 ± 10.3 years. Before and after treatment, global QLQ-INFO25 scores were 39.3 and 42.5, respectively, whereas satisfaction with the information received scores were 69.9 and 58.1, respectively. Regarding EORTC QLQ-INFO25 scores, between the pre- and post-treatment periods, we observed a significant increase in three scales/items (information about other services, information about different places of care and information about things you can do to help yourself) and a significant decrease in two scales/items (satisfaction with the information received and overall the information has been helpful). Before and after treatment, global QoL scores were 62.7 and 61.0, respectively. Overall, we found low correlations between QLQ-INFO25 and QLQ-C30 scores. Patient age and education level, centre of care, tumour site and treatment characteristics had a significant impact on QLQ-INFO25 scores.ConclusionPerceived information was satisfactory in the perioperative period for head and neck cancer patients. Several demographic and clinical factors were identified as significant predictors of QLQ-INFO25 scores.     

Health-Related Quality of Life in EORTC clinical trials — 30 years of progress from methodological developments to making a real impact on oncology practice

The impact of cancer on patients' lives can be measured using self-reported questionnaires, known as Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) measures. HRQOL is defined as a multi-dimensional construct covering disease and treatment-related symptoms, physical, psychological, and social functioning.The EORTC Quality of Life Group (QLG) was created in 1984 with the mission to develop measures of HRQOL and to promote and coordinate clinical studies concerning the quality of life of cancer patients. The EORTC Quality of Life Department (QL Department) was founded in 1993 with the support of an EU grant to provide administrative, practical and scientific support to co-operative groups conducting clinical trials with HRQOL outcomes.We are proud to report significant scientific achievements that have made us international leaders in HRQOL research and have led to real changes to cancer patient treatments.We developed a modular system for HRQOL measurement consisting of the EORTC QLQ-C30, a core cancer quality of life questionnaire and supplementary questionnaire modules. The EORTC-QLQ-C30 has been one of the most widely used cancer questionnaires in randomized trials in oncology as demonstrated by systematic reviews. To date, the EORTC QLQ-C30 has been translated and linguistically validated into more than 60 languages.HRQOL outcome measures have been an integral part of EORTC clinical trials for the last 30 years. We present examples of significant, practice-changing clinical trials evaluating HRQOL in several cancer sites, such as brain tumors, breast and ovarian cancers, and malignant melanoma. In a series of systematic reviews, we examined the quality of reporting HRQOL in international cancer clinical trials, and the impact of the results on oncology practice that led to a recommendation to improve CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) with regard to reporting of HRQOL.The QLG is an international leader in methodological research in the measurement of HRQOL in oncology and pursues research in several key areas, such as cross-cultural differences between populations in HRQOL assessment, Computer-Adaptive Testing, electronic administration of EORTC QLQ-C30, and summary scores for EORTC QLQ-C30.In summary, the QLG and QL Department have been international leaders in the field. Our questionnaires have brought HRQOL assessment to the fore in many international trials that have changed oncology practice and brought the patient's perspective into cancer research.     

Development of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire module for older people with cancer: The EORTC QLQ-ELD15

Background and aimThere is a lack of instruments that focus on the specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) issues that affect older people with cancer. The aim of this study was to develop a HRQOL questionnaire module to supplement the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core questionnaire, the EORTC QLQ-C30 for older (>70 years) patients with cancer.MethodsPhases 1–3 were conducted in seven countries following modified EORTC Quality of Life Group guidelines for module development. Phase 1: potentially relevant issues were identified by a systematic literature review, a questionnaire survey of 17 multi-disciplinary health professionals and two rounds of qualitative interviews. The first round included 9 patients aged >70. The second round was a comparative series of interviews with 49 patients >70 years with a range of cancer diagnoses and 40 patients aged 50–69 years matched for gender and disease site. In Phase 2 the issues were formulated into a long provisional item list. This was administered in Phase 3 together with the QLQ-C30 to two further groups of cancer patients aged >70 (n = 97) or 50–69 years (n = 85) to determine the importance, relevance and acceptability of each item. Redundant and duplicate items were removed; issues specific to the older group were selected for the final questionnaire.ResultsIn Phase 1, 75 issues were identified. These were reduced in Phase 2 to create a 45 item provisional list. Phase 3 testing of the provisional list led to the selection of 15 items with good range of response, high scores of importance and relevance in the older patients. This resulted in the EORTC QLQ-ELD15, containing five conceptually coherent scales (functional independence, relationships with family and friends, worries about the future, autonomy and burden of illness).ConclusionThe EORTC QLQ-ELD15 in combination with the EORTC QLQ-C30 is ready for large-scale validation studies, and will assess HRQOL issues of most relevance and concern for older people with cancer across a wide range of cancer sites and treatment stages.