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Validation of the French version of the colorectal-specific quality-of-life questionnaires EORTC QLQ-CR38 and FACT-C

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Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the French version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC) quality-of-life colorectal questionnaire (QLQ-CR38) and the functional assessment of cancer therapy-colorectal version 4 (FACT-C).

Method

This prospective study included 209 patients with colorectal cancer: 71 undergoing chemotherapy, 56 radiation, 15 surgery, and 67 survivors. Patients first completed in random order the FACT-C and the EORTC QLQ-CR38 and were asked if they had any preference for either questionnaire. The timing of administration of instruments differed according to patients’ treatment to better assess psychometric properties.

Results

The FACT-C showed good acceptability, good reproducibility and excellent internal consistency. The QLQ-CR38 had lower internal consistency. Patients did not express a preference for one survey over another.

Conclusion

This study confirms the value of the FACT-C and suggests some limits of the QLQ-CR38 for patients with colorectal cancer.

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Abbreviations

CCS:

Colorectal cancer subscale

CRC:

Colorectal cancer

EORTC:

European Organization for Research and Treatment

FACT-C:

Functional assessment of cancer therapy-colorectal

FACT-G:

Functional assessment of cancer therapy-general

GHS:

Global health status

ICC:

Intraclass correlation coefficient

KPS:

Karnofsky performance status

QLQ-CR38:

Quality-of-life colorectal questionnaire

QoL:

Quality of life

TOI-C:

Trial outcome index of FACT-C

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge J. Blazeby, C. Carnin, P. Bataillard, E. Petit, and E Lesieu for assistance with patient interviews and the physicians M.C. Kaminsky, P. Rauch, D. Peiffert, G. Créhange, P. Maingon, G. Truc, J. Fraisse, J. Cuisenier, B. Chauffert, E. Désandes, and J.M. Tortuyaux who helped recruit patients. We also thank Sonya Eremenco, Evanston, Illinois, for permission to use the FACT-C, and the EORTC QoL Group, Brussels, for permission to use the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 questionnaires. This study was supported by grants from the French Ministry of Health Clinical Research Hospital Program (PHRC 2004) and the cancéropole Grand-Est.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nancy-University, EA 4003, 54000, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France

    Christine Rotonda, T. Conroy, I. Léonard & F. Guillemin

  2. Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Alexis Vautrin, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France

    T. Conroy, L. Uwer & I. Léonard

  3. Medical and Pharmaceutical University, EA 2276, Besancon, France

    M. Mercier

  4. Biostatistic and Epidemiological Unit, Centre Georges-Francois Leclerc, Dijon, France

    F. Bonnetain

  5. Department of Radiation Oncology, University hospital Jean Minjoz, Besancon, France

    J. Miny & P. Montcuquet

  6. Department of Digestive and Urologic Oncology, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France

    A. Adenis

  7. Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Hospital Louis Pasteur, Colmar, France

    G. Breysacher

Authors
  1. Christine Rotonda
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  2. T. Conroy
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  3. M. Mercier
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  4. F. Bonnetain
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  5. L. Uwer
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  6. J. Miny
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  7. P. Montcuquet
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  8. I. Léonard
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  9. A. Adenis
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  10. G. Breysacher
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  11. F. Guillemin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christine Rotonda.

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Rotonda, C., Conroy, T., Mercier, M. et al. Validation of the French version of the colorectal-specific quality-of-life questionnaires EORTC QLQ-CR38 and FACT-C. Qual Life Res 17, 437–445 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-008-9322-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-008-9322-9

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