Why Cancer Drug Trials Must Include Quality of Life Measures: The Missing Piece in Patient-Centered Care

The Onco Life Podcast

Cancer treatments are often judged by survival rates, but how do they impact patients’ daily lives? This episode explores why quality of life (QoL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) must be included in cancer drug trials and how they change the way patients, doctors, and researchers evaluate therapies.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What does quality of life and HRQoL mean in cancer care
• Why survival alone is not enough to measure treatment success
• How QoL instruments like the EORTC QLQ-C30 capture patient experiences
• Key recommendations from The Lancet policy review on QoL in trials
• Challenges in collecting and reporting QoL data consistently
• Real-world examples where QoL data influenced treatment choices
• How patients and caregivers can use QoL information to make better decisions

By understanding the full impact of cancer treatments, patients can make informed choices that align with their personal values and daily needs.

Blog Link: Why Cancer Drug Trials Must Include Quality of Life Measures
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Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE

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