Measurement of quality of life in second-line patients with advanced NSCLC without targetable mutations: a review

Quality of life (QoL) is important to cancer patients and is increasingly included as a trial end point. The methodologies/findings of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of second-line treatments approved for use in the EU in patients with advanced/metastatic NSCLC, without known targetable mutations, were evaluated. Seven trials were identified; five compared active treatments and two compared active treatment to placebo. Methodologies used and reporting varied. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer lung cancer questionnaire was the most commonly used assessment method (n = 4). There was no evidence to suggest differences in QoL between active treatments. Consistent and appropriate use of standard QoL instruments in future would increase the reliability of results and their applicability to clinical decision-making.