Assessing Tumor-Related Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Cancer Clinical Trials

Improving survival has traditionally been the goal of anticancer therapy. Although great strides have been made in cancer therapeutics, it is relatively uncommon that new drugs or biological agents provide substantial improvement in survival. Most of these agents have side effects, some of which are severe, resulting in discomfort and disability. For patients with incurable cancers, overall quality of their remaining life is particularly important. Adequate palliation of cancer-related symptoms, especially pain, may ease suffering and fear, allowing the final journey to be taken with peace and dignity.