A study developing new questionnaires to measure quality of life during treatment for cancer (Quest-Q1)
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This study was done to find the type of questions that are most useful to assess peoples’ quality of life during cancer treatment. This trial was supported by Cancer Research UK.
The researchers wanted to develop different questionnaires for different types of cancer. In this study they looked at people having chemotherapy for bowel cancer, breast cancer or gynaecological cancer.
The aim of this study was to record and analyse consultations between patients and doctors to see the issues raised. The research team then planned to compare them to tools already used to assess 
, and develop 3 new cancer specific tools.
Summary of results
The research team were able to develop 3 cancer specific tools to assess quality of life.
They recorded 564 consultations between 141 patients and their doctors. Of those taking part
- 17 had bowel cancer
- 52 had breast cancer
- 72 had one of the gynaecological cancers such as ovarian or womb cancer
The research team then analysed the consultations to find out what issues were raised. The analysis showed that
- Those with gynaecological cancers had 40 different issues, and 16 of them weren’t on the existing assessment tool
- Those with breast cancer had 39 different issues, and 18 of them weren’t on the existing assessment tool
- Those with bowel cancer had 36 different issues, and 13 of them weren’t on the existing assessment tool
The issues identified were then put into an ‘item bank’, and this was evaluated by 25 health professionals and 30 patients.
From this, the team developed 3 new pilot questionnaires. 448 patients completed the new questionnaires, which included both physical and psychological issues. The results showed that the questionnaires could be useful to assess quality of life.
The research team concluded that they were able to assess factors that affect patients’ quality of life, and develop 3 new tools.
We have based this summary on information from the team who ran the trial. The information they sent us has been reviewed by independent specialists () and published in a medical journal. The figures we quote above were provided by the trial team. We have not analysed the data ourselves.
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Professor Galina Velikova
Supported by
Cancer Research UK
The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
University of Leeds
Other information
This is Cancer Research UK trial number CRUK/07/058.
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
