Loprinzi et al, J Clin Oncol 12:601, 1994

Introduction

Prospective evaluation of prognostic variables from patient- completed questionnaires. North Central Cancer Treatment Group.

Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN

Purpose: The study was developed to determine whether descriptive information from a patient completed questionnaire could provide prognostic information that was independent from that already obtained from the patient's physician.

Subjects: 1115 patients with advanced colorectal or lung cancer

Results: 36 variables showed statiscally significant prognostic information. Many variables were weak prognostic indicators. There was a high correlation between many of the variables. Three major groups of variables were strong prognostic indicators.

• physician's assessment of performance status
• patient's assessment of his/her performance status
• nutritional factor (appetite or food intake)