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. 2013 Jan 15;119(2):429-37.
doi: 10.1002/cncr.27688. Epub 2012 Jul 6.

General population norms for the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Kidney Symptom Index (FKSI)

Zeeshan Butt  1 , John Peipert, Kimberly Webster, Connie Chen, David Cella
Affiliations

General population norms for the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Kidney Symptom Index (FKSI)

Zeeshan Butt et al. Cancer. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Background: Metastatic renal cell cancer is associated with poor long-term survival and has no cure. Traditional clinical endpoints are best supplemented by patient-reported outcomes designed to assess symptoms and function. Normative data was obtained on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network-Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Kidney Symptom Index (NFKSI) to aid in score interpretation and planning of future trials.

Methods: General population data were obtained from 2000 respondents, who completed the 19-item NFKSI-19, as well the SF-36 (Short Form 36-item instrument) and the PROMIS-29 (29-item Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System), both general health status measures. Basic demographic and self-reported comorbidity data were also collected.

Results: The sample was 50% female, 85.7% caucasian, with an equal distribution across age bands from 18 years to 75 years and older. Most respondents (62.8%) had more than a high school education and reported an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of normal activity without symptoms (63.4%). Score distributions on the NFKSI-19, its subscales, and individual items are summarized.

Conclusions: The NFKSI-19 and its subscales now have scores for the general US population, allowing comparability to generic questionnaires such as the SF-36 and PROMIS-29. These data can be used to guide treatment expectations and plan future comparative effectiveness research using the scales.

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References

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