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Validity, reliability and clinical relevance of EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 in patients with chest malignancies in a palliative setting

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Abstract

Aims

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and LC13 questionnaire in a palliative setting, and to undertake a broad clinical evaluation of the questionnaire.

Patients

One hundred and twelve patients with advanced lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma, not amenable to curative or life-prolonging treatment, were consecutively included.

Methods

Construct validity and reliability of the EORTC questionnaire were examined by multitrait analysis and internal consistency. Criterion validity was examined by variance by and correlation with an array of clinical measures, including tumour stage, performance status, 6-min walk test, spirometry, and blood tests. Concurrent validity was evaluated by established scales for emotional distress and pain.

Results

With the exception of cognitive functioning, reliability and construct validity of the QLQ-C30 was confirmed. Criterion and concurrent validity was supported for most of the functioning and symptom scales. In a multivariate stepwise regression analysis, EORTC physical functioning was predicted by performance status and 6-min walk distance (r 2 = .70), emotional functioning by HADS anxiety ratings (r 2 = .59), and global quality of life by performance status, HADS depression ratings, and FEV1 %predicted (r 2 = .50).

Conclusion

The results support the validity and clinical relevance and of the EORTC questionnaire in a palliative setting.

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Abbreviations

HRQL:

Health-related quality of life

EORTC:

The European organisation for research and treatment of cancer

HADS:

The hospital anxiety and depression scale

BPI:

The brief pain inventory

BMI:

Body mass index

KPS:

Karnofsky performance scale

WHO:

The world health organisation

SE:

Standard error

NSCLC:

Non-small cell lung cancer

SCLC:

Small cell lung cancer

FEV1:

Forced exspiratory volume in 1 s

FEV1 %pred:

FEV1 in % of predicted value

B-Hb:

Blood haemoglobin

SpO2 :

Percutaneous oxygen saturation

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Acknowledgement

The study was supported by the Swedish Cancer Foundation

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Göteborg University, Gothenburg, 413 45, Sweden

    Mercedes Nicklasson & Bengt Bergman

  2. Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, 413 45, Sweden

    Bengt Bergman

Authors
  1. Mercedes Nicklasson
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  2. Bengt Bergman
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Correspondence to Bengt Bergman.

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Nicklasson, M., Bergman, B. Validity, reliability and clinical relevance of EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 in patients with chest malignancies in a palliative setting. Qual Life Res 16, 1019–1028 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-007-9210-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-007-9210-8

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