Quality of life as an outcome measure in gynecologic malignancies.

Health-related quality of life instruments for cancer patients and specifically for gynecologic cancer patients have been developed, validated and applied in clinical trials. More focused investigations of specific symptoms, side-effects and both short- and long-term toxicities are also being pursued. Assessments are now included as part of many cancer treatment trials and some studies are looking at quality of life in survivors. Another area of investigation seeks to define the types of stress and coping mechanisms being used in order to identify predictors of psychologic distress.