The Value Of Patient-Reported Outcomes In Cancer Clinical Research And Routine Care

By Greta van Schoor, Bill Byrom, and Anthony T. Everhart

Prioritizing the patient voice in oncology is no longer a peripheral goal; it has become a fundamental pillar that bridges the gap between clinical research and real-world recovery. While traditional metrics often focus on tumor response and survival rates, the integration of patient-centered care strategies is proving essential for building deep-seated trust between patients and their care teams.

Current regulatory shifts, particularly from the FDA, underscore that patient feedback is a vital asset for drug development, yet its inclusion in therapy labeling remains inconsistent. By adopting rigorous clinical outcome assessments (COA) and frequent, at-home electronic reporting, sponsors can capture a more authentic picture of drug tolerability and symptomatic side effects. These digital health tools do more than satisfy regulatory requirements—they empower individuals to actively participate in their treatment journey. When symptom monitoring moves from the clinic to the patient’s daily life, care teams can intervene earlier, ultimately delaying functional decline and fostering a more responsive, individualized approach to cancer care.