Phase 1 to 3 of the update of the EORTC Quality of Life Gastric module QLQ-STO22

Abstract

Abstract Background The EORTC QLQ-STO22 (STO22) was developed in 2001 to measure quality of life (QOL) of gastric cancer (GC) patients and is a well validated instrument. However, there are some points worth considering. Firstly, the treatment strategies have dramatically changed since 2001. In contrast to 20 years ago, diverse combination regimens with cytotoxic drugs and molecular agents are administered for advanced GC and multidisciplinary approaches including neoadjuvant therapy and minimally invasive surgery are the mainstay of treatment. Thus, the original STO22 might not adequately assess QOL of GC patients currently treated. Secondly, specialists and patients from East Asia were not involved in the development of the STO22. Consequently, QOL issues of East Asian patients might not be reflected in the original ST022. The EORTC QOL group in collaboration with the EORTC Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Group and the JCOG, aim to update the existing STO22. Methods Updating the STO22 consists of four steps. Pre-phase 1: literature review of studies using the ST022 in East Asia. Phase 1: Compiling an exhaustive list of relevant QOL issues captured from the literature review and interviews with patients and health care professionals. Phase 2: operationalising new issues into items to make a provisional module. Phase 3: Pilot testing the provisional updated ST022 alongside the EORTC QLQ-C30 with patients who meet the eligibility criteria from Europe and East Asia to obtain a response score for each item, together with a rating of relevance and importance. Results This study is in progress and a grant application to the EORTC QOL group is under review. An interim report from pre-phase 1 and phase 1 will be presented at the congress. Conclusions The current STO22 module might need updating to capture the QOL issues related to the new and diverse treatments and to include the East Asian perspective. The updated STO22 would be used more globally across Europe and Asia.