Validity, reliability and clinical relevance of EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 in patients with chest malignancies in a palliative setting

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and LC13 questionnaire in a palliative setting, and to undertake a broad clinical evaluation of the questionnaire.

One hundred and twelve patients with advanced lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma, not amenable to curative or life-prolonging treatment, were consecutively included.

Construct validity and reliability of the EORTC questionnaire were examined by multitrait analysis and internal consistency. Criterion validity was examined by variance by and correlation with an array of clinical measures, including tumour stage, performance status, 6-min walk test, spirometry, and blood tests. Concurrent validity was evaluated by established scales for emotional distress and pain.

With the exception of cognitive functioning, reliability and construct validity of the QLQ-C30 was confirmed. Criterion and concurrent validity was supported for most of the functioning and symptom scales. In a multivariate stepwise regression analysis, EORTC physical functioning was predicted by performance status and 6-min walk distance (r ² = .70), emotional functioning by HADS anxiety ratings (r ² = .59), and global quality of life by performance status, HADS depression ratings, and FEV1 %predicted (r ² = .50).

The results support the validity and clinical relevance and of the EORTC questionnaire in a palliative setting.