Quality of Life Assessment Tools In mCRC

Quality of life assessment in colorectal cancer treatment extends beyond formal validated instruments to include practical clinical evaluation methods that capture real-world patient experiences. While clinical trials utilize standardized questionnaires to generate comparative quality of life scores, these tools may not fully represent the diverse patient population seen in routine practice. Oncologists must develop individualized assessment strategies that account for each patient’s unique circumstances, activity levels, and personal goals throughout their cancer journey.

Practical quality of life evaluation involves asking targeted questions about daily functioning, such as the ability to cook, grocery shop, or leave the house regularly. Simple inquiries like “How was your week?” or “What do you do for fun?” can provide valuable insights into patient wellbeing beyond formal assessment tools. The presence of family members or caregivers during visits often provides crucial additional perspective, as patients may underreport symptoms or overstate their functional capacity when assessed alone.

ECOG performance status remains a practical and widely-used assessment tool that correlates well with clinical decision-making for dose modifications and treatment tolerance. The integration of patient-reported outcomes with clinical observation helps guide treatment adjustments, with the understanding that individual tolerance varies significantly. As artificial intelligence develops, it may supplement but cannot replace the nuanced human assessment of quality of life that incorporates individual patient values, expectations, and treatment goals in colorectal cancer care.