The importance of quality-of-life endpoints in clinical trials to the practicing oncologist

Quality-of-life research has helped to describe and draw attention to the h uman side of cancer treatment. The practicing oncologist can learn a great deal by keeping abreast of developments in this field and using these findi ngs in treatment decision making. This article traces the change in the can cer disease experience as a context for understanding the importance of qua lity-of-life research. The history of quality-of-life research and measurem ent is examined, and this information is integrated into a practical discus sion of physician-patient communication.