Quality-of-Life Outcomes Underreported in GU Cancer Trials

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/mgucs/120127...

Published: Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:14:40 -0500

Quality of life (QoL) outcomes are under- and inconsistently reported in prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer clinical trials, despite increasing emphasis on these patient-reported outcomes.[1][3] In 45 randomized controlled trials of drugs for advanced cancer, only 24% of new drugs improved QoL.[2] Six studies reported worsening of QoL, half of which were with targeted drugs, and 11 studies reported improvement, of which 55% were with immunotherapy.[2] Of the 34 studies with no improvement in QoL, 47% presented positive outcomes, which were significantly associated with industry funding.[2] 11% of genitourinary oncology studies lacked any patient-reported outcomes (PROs).[3] PROs were reported as secondary outcomes in 52% of studies and as exploratory in 37%.[3] Average QoL may mask differences because improvements in some patients are offset by deteriorations in others due to treatment toxicity.[1]