Patient-Reported Outcomes as Prognostic Indicators for Overall Survival in Cancer

Do patient-reported outcomes contain independent prognostic information about overall survival for patients with cancer?In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 69 randomized clinical trials that included 44 030 patients with cancer, higher baseline global health status, physical functioning, and role functioning scores were significantly associated with improved overall survival, while greater symptom burden, including nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, appetite loss, and dyspnea, was associated with worse overall survival.The study results suggest that patient-reported outcomes capture clinically relevant prognostic information beyond traditional clinical end points and may enhance risk stratification and personalized treatment approaches in oncology.

Corresponding Author: Srinivas Raman, MD, MASc, BC Cancer Vancouver, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada (srinivas.raman@bccancer.bc.ca).

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