
Around 1 in 5 people diagnosed with cancer in the UK take part in a clinical trial.
This study tested a questionnaire looking at side effects during and after radiotherapy for womb, cervical and prostate cancer.
Radiotherapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells in the treated area. But sometimes damage to nearby healthy cells can cause both short term side effects and long term side effects. As more people are living longer after radiotherapy they are more likely to have long term side effects, which may affect their quality of life.
The more doctors understand about these long terms side effects, the better they will be able to recognise and treat them. The researchers in this study developed a questionnaire that helps identify difficulties people have following their treatment. They wanted to test these questionnaires with patients. And see how easy it is to complete them electronically, instead of on paper. The aims of this study were to
The first results the researchers have published were for people with prostate, cervical or womb cancer. From this research there was little difference between the electronic and paper versions of the questionnaires in terms of accurately recording side effects. There was also no clear preference for one type. However, the researchers have concluded that recording side effect information using an electronic version of the questionnaire has benefits. But they also said paper questionnaires should be available for those who were not confident using computers or electronic tablets.
For this part of the study the researchers recruited 40 men with prostate cancer and 37 women with cervical or womb cancer. Both groups were treated with external radiotherapy.
Both groups were asked to complete questionnaires before, during and after treatment and then again 12 months after they finished treatment. The questionnaires for each group were designed around the types of side effects that could be expected from radiotherapy for their cancer.
The researchers asked both groups to complete a mixture of paper and electronic versions of the questionnaire. They found
When discussing the findings of the study, the researchers concluded a preference for the electronic version of the questionnaire because
We have based this summary on information from the research team. 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 who did the research. We have not analysed the data ourselves.
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Dr Susan Davidson
Cancer Research UK
NIHR Clinical Research Network: Cancer
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Freephone 0808 800 4040
Around 1 in 5 people diagnosed with cancer in the UK take part in a clinical trial.