Lebensqualitätsmessung in klinischen Studien beim Lungenkarzinom

Übersicht anhand der Datenbank ClinicalTrials.gov

authored by: Kathrin Damm, Christian Jacob, Thomas Mittendorf, J. Matthias Graf Von Der Schulenburg
Abstract: Background: In Germany, and throughout the world, the lung carcinoma is one of the most common and aggressive forms of cancer. Not only is the diagnosis itself stressful for the patients, but also the disease symptoms, such as (blood) cough, shortness of breath, pain in the chest and shoulders, in addition to the (toxic) side effects of therapies such as fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. While differences in clinical effectiveness decline, therapeutic alternatives must have a unique selling point. Accordingly, from the perspective of the industry, a stronger focus on patients quality of life is the consequence which is also requested by researchers and institutions. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a change in clinical research is taking place with reference to the inclusion of health related quality of life as an outcome measure in lung cancer trials and, if applicable, what instruments are used for this purpose. Methods: Using the ClinicalTrials.gov database, we conducted systematic research in late 2010. In particular we examined the quantity of lung cancer trials focusing on health related quality of life as well as on the instruments used. Comparisons were made over time (20052010). Results: "Overall survival" still prevails as the primary endpoint, whereas in clinical trials with biotechnology interventions the measurement of "progression-free survival" was claimed more often as the primary study endpoint. In approximately 10% of the trials "Quality of Life" is indicated as an endpoint. Lung cancer-specific questionnaires like the EORTC LC13, LCSS and FACT-L are most frequently used, sometimes in combination with the generic EQ-5D. Symptom-specific measurements are rare. Conclusions: A change in clinical research referring to the inclusion of health relatedquality of life as an outcome measure in lung cancer trials could not be found.
Organisation(s): Institute of Insurance Business Administration
External Organisation(s): Xcenda GmbH
Type: Review article
Journal: PharmacoEconomics - German Research Articles
Volume: 10
Pages: 3-15
No. of pages: 13
ISSN: 1612-3727
Publication date: 03.2012
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous), Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (miscellaneous)
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03320774 (Access: Closed)