The need for improved patient reported outcome measures in patients with extremity sarcoma: A narrative review
Authors:
Blight, T. J. and Choong, P. F. M.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Extremity sarcoma causes impairments to functionality and quality of life. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) assess patient perspectives relating to domains of health and quality of life.
METHODS: To describe PROMs utilised in extremity sarcoma, the available literature was screened for studies that utilised PROMs to evaluate outcomes in extremity sarcoma following surgery.
RESULTS: Seventy articles met eligibility criteria; six PROMs were identified. The Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, The Short-Form 36, The EORTC QLQ-C30, The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, the Reintegration to Normal Living index and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Most sarcoma patients score well in these tools, with bone sarcoma, and extent of resection being predictors of poor outcomes.
CONCLUSION: TESS is the only sarcoma-specific PROM, and though a valid assessment of functionality, it has difficulty differentiating patients with minor functional impairments. The absence of a disease-specific measure of health is concerning, as generic tools do not account for the unique experiences sarcoma patients face and may impair their accuracy in analysing intervention effectiveness.
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