Missing quality of life data in cancer clinical trials: serious problems and challenges

摘要: Measurement of quality life (QOL) in cancer clinical trials has increased recent years as more groups realize the importance such endpoints. A key problem been missing data. Some QOL data may unavoidably be missing, for example when patients are too ill to complete forms. Other important sources potentially avoidable and can broadly divided into three categories: (i) methodological factors; (ii) logistic administrative (iii) patient-related factors. Logistic factors, example, staff oversights, have proven most important. Since measurements require patient self-report, it is usually not possible rectify failure collect baseline or any follow-up assessments. There strong evidence that 'missing at random', cannot ignored without introducing bias. Although several approaches analysis partly described, none entirely satisfactory. Prevention better than attempted cure. In July 1996, an international conference on reported experience major involved. This paper will serve introduction provide estimation its magnitude, prevention solution.