Assessing quality of life in individuals with hereditary cancer risk: Results from phases 1-3a of the EORTC QLQ-HCR30 questionnaire

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to develop a European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to assess quality of life (QOL) in individuals diagnosed with a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome (HCPS) with or without a previous cancer diagnosis. We report on content generation, questionnaire construction, and questionnaire evaluation of acceptability, comprehensiveness, and linguistic validity.

METHODS: Following phase 1-3a of the EORTC Quality of Life Group module development guidelines, QOL issues were identified through a literature review and interviews with health-care professionals and individuals undergoing HCPS genetic counseling or testing. Based upon the results, a preliminary questionnaire was developed and pre-tested internationally for relevance, clarity, and linguistic appropriateness. Revisions were guided by qualitative feedback and predefined criteria.

RESULTS: 63 issues were identified from the literature and expanded to a 73-item questionnaire through interviews. Pre-testing of the questionnaire in 119 individuals (79.8 % female) across twelve centers in nine countries, including carriers of BRCA, Lynch syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni, showed limited applicability for those with negative or pending results. The target population was therefore refined to mutation carriers. Following item reduction, the final instrument comprised thirty validated and linguistically appropriate items.

CONCLUSION: The EORTC QLQ-HCR30 is relevant and applicable for assessing QOL in individuals diagnosed with a HCPS and is now ready for preliminary psychometric evaluation (phase 3b and 4).