PMID: 18724538Aug 30, 2008Paper

Visual analogue scales and assessment of quality of life in cancer

The Journal of Supportive Oncology
Katherine Hauser, Declan Walsh

Abstract

Assessment of quality of life (QOL) in cancer clinical trials is important when comparing treatments, especially when prolonged survival is not expected. QOL scores may reflect physical or psychosocial functioning or distress. The choice of QOL instrument depends upon the definition, research hypothesis, cancer population, depth and sensitivity of information required, and frequency of measurement. A visual analogue scale (VAS) is commonly used to rate various subjective experiences. Potential advantages of these scales include their wide score range and high sensitivity; disadvantages include lower completion rates than other rating scales. Single-item VASs are validated for cancer QOL, reliable, and responsive to change. These scales may best represent an individual's global QOL without the constraints of predetermined domains. Single items are useful for frequent measurements in palliative or advanced populations and when information about domains is less important. Multi-item VAS QOL instruments vary in length and domains; they are useful in clinical trials enrolling patients with good performance status, but some are long and disease-specific.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

European Journal of Cancer : Official Journal for European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) [and] European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
S KaasaA Kvikstad
European Journal of Cancer : Official Journal for European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) [and] European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
S Kaasa
Quality of Life Research : an International Journal of Quality of Life Aspects of Treatment, Care and Rehabilitation
A G E M de BoerMirjam Sprangers
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved