Alternative methods of interpreting quality of life data in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients

摘要: Understanding of how to analyse and interpret quality life (QoL) data from clinical trials in patients with advanced cancer is limited. In order increase the knowledge about possibilities drawing conclusions QoL these patients, 2 were reanalysed. A total 113 pancreatic, biliary or gastric included randomised comparing chemotherapy best supportive care (BSC) BSC alone. Patient benefit was evaluated by treating physician (subjective response) using selected scales different summary measures EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. An increasing number drop-outs (mainly due death) time did not occur a random fashion. Therefore, mean scores subscales obtained during follow-up interviewed reflect outcome population. The patient-provided measure, 'Global health status/QoL', stable rather high proportion could discriminate between groups. 3 other revealed greater variability, they all discriminated agreement also seen changes subjective response. categorisation whether an individual patient had benefited intervention overcome problem selective attrition.