Systematic review and meta-analysis of patient-reported outcomes as prognostic indicators for overall survival in cancer

Studies have reported associations between patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and survival in cancer but the prognostic significance of specific PRO domains has not been systematically quantified. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 69 randomized clinical trials that included 44,030 patients with cancer, higher baseline global health status, physical functioning, and role functioning scores were significantly associated with improved overall survival, while greater symptom burden, including nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, appetite loss, and dyspnea were associated with worse overall survival. The authors conclude that these results suggest that PROs capture clinically relevant prognostic information beyond traditional clinical endpoints and may enhance risk stratification and personalized treatment approaches in oncology.