Measurement of quality of life in carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumours

Abstract

Quality of life is multi-dimensional, including issues relating to symptoms from the disease but also social, emotional, functional and financial domains. Debate remains on the true definition of quality of life and its measurement. Quality of life measurements are best done by patients themselves, although, in some situations a proxy such as carer or relative can be substituted. Healthcare workers can over- or underestimate overall quality of life. Currently used devices for measuring quality of life in cancer include the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, which is a generic tool for all cancers and which requires the use of add-on modules for specific cancers. We are developing a separate module for carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumours, in accordance with the EORTC guidelines on module development, which will be translated into five languages and will be available for use throughout Europe.