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Quality-of-life research in the Pediatric Oncology Group: 1991-1995
1Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown 26505, USA.
Insights
Pediatric cancer trials are increasingly including quality-of-life (QOL) measures, previously focused on adults. This review outlines the Pediatric Oncology Group
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Trials
- Health Outcomes Research
Background:
- Quality-of-life (QOL) end points are crucial in adult cancer clinical trials.
- Their inclusion in pediatric cancer research is a recent development.
- The Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) has explored incorporating QOL measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the POG's research approach to QOL end points in pediatric cancer clinical trials.
- To describe POG's guidelines and protocols for integrating QOL measures.
- To identify and discuss methodologic challenges in pediatric QOL research.
Main Methods:
- Review of the Pediatric Oncology Group's historical research practices.
- Description of established guidelines and protocols for QOL integration.
- Analysis of methodologic barriers encountered in pediatric QOL research.
Main Results:
- The POG has developed specific approaches to QOL research in pediatric oncology.
- Guidelines and protocols are available for incorporating QOL end points.
- Several methodologic challenges require attention for effective implementation.
Conclusions:
- The POG is actively incorporating QOL end points into pediatric cancer clinical trials.
- Established protocols exist, but methodologic barriers need to be addressed.
- Further research is needed to optimize QOL assessment in pediatric cancer patients.
Abstract:
Quality-of-life end points for cancer clinical trials have received much attention in the adult literature. However, within pediatric cancer clinical trials, the inclusion of these alternate end points has only recently been considered. We review the Pediatric Oncology Group's approach to research in this area and describe our guidelines and protocols that incorporate quality-of-life end points and several of the methodologic barriers that must be addressed.