Development and Validation of Ovarian Symptom Index-18 and Neurotoxicity-4 for Korean Patients with Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer

Peripheral Neuropathy Instruments for Individuals with Cancer: A COSMIN-Based Systematic Review of Measurement Properties

Although the literature on patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) continues to expand, challenges persist in selecting reliable and valid instruments for assessing peripheral neuropathy (PN) in patients with cancer. This systematic review aimed to identify all validated self-report PN scales and critically appraise their measurement properties. This review was conducted using the COSMIN methodology for PROMs and the PRISMA statement. Five databases were searched from inception to August 2024, identifying 46 eligible studies and 16 PROMs. Evidence quality ranged from "very low" to "moderate", with notable inconsistencies in the content and structural validity phases of most instruments. Instruments such as the Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy assessment tool and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity demonstrated moderate quality and potential utility in clinical practice, while others, including the Location-based assessment of sensory symptoms in cancer and the Measure of Ovarian Symptoms and Treatment, had insufficient evidence to support their use. Importantly, all PROMs focused on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, highlighting a significant gap in instruments addressing other PN causes, such as radiotherapy or tumor-related nerve damage. Further research should prioritize developing and validating instruments for distinct cancer populations, ensuring robust psychometric properties and clinical applicability.

Assessing the quality of patient-reported outcome measurements for gynecological cancers: a systematic review

Purpose: To provide perspective on patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) instruments to adopt in patients diagnosed with gynecological cancers. Methods: A systematic search was conducted to identify PROMs developed for or applied in gynecological cancer populations. PROMs identified in more than one study subsequently underwent assessment according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) criteria. Results: Overall, 55 PROMs were identified within the gynecological cancer setting, and 20 were assessed according to COSMIN guidelines. Most PROMs had limited information reported, but a best fit approach was adopted to recommend a number of instruments for use in patients with gynecological cancer. Conclusion: Further study to assess the methodological quality of each PROM utilized in gynecological cancers is warranted to endorse the recommendations of this review.

Assessing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy with patient reported outcome measures: a systematic review of measurement properties and considerations for future use

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common toxicity of cancer treatment, with potential to significantly impact cancer survivors' long-term quality of life. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly utilised to evaluate CIPN. However, guidance remains lacking on how to identify fit for purpose PROMs with considerations necessarily differing when used in various research and in-clinic contexts. This study aimed to evaluate evidence about CIPN PROMs measurement properties and propose considerations to optimize CIPN PROM selection for each purpose.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to identify literature assessing measurement properties of CIPN PROMs. These were evaluated against Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) criteria and International Society for Quality of Life minimum standards. Risk of Bias (RoB) was assessed using the COSMIN RoB checklist.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine papers evaluating measurement properties of 13 PROMs were included. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Questionnaire (QLQ-CIPN20) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx) were the most commonly investigated PROMs and had the most measurement properties meeting established criteria.

CONCLUSION

The use of the QLQ-CIPN20 and FACT/GOG-Ntx to assess CIPN in research settings has the most supporting evidence. However other considerations including study aims, endpoints and target population also factor into PROM selection and need to be considered more often when determining the most suitable outcome measure. Evidence of CIPN PROMs use in clinical practice is limited and their adoption to individual-patient level management requires more evaluation.

Influence of chemotherapy on postural control and quality of life in women with gynaecological cancer: a protocol of a prospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a frequent side effect of some chemotherapies that can cause postural control disorders and has a serious impact on quality of life (QoL). An enhanced understanding of postural control dysfunction could help build a systematic and accurate assessment as well as specific exercises to limit the impact on QoL. This study aims to assess the influence of chemotherapy on postural control and the QoL for women with gynaecological cancer.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This prospective observational study will include 37 participants with cancer treated using neurotoxic chemotherapy. Their postural control in various conditions (rigid and foam surfaces, eyes open and closed, with and without tendon vibration, and dual tasks), limits of stability, QoL and modified Total Neuropathy Score will be assessed. A linear mixed model will compare postural control pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by an ethical review board in Geneva (CCER-2020-01639). The study findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04692168.