Developing a patient-based utility value set for the EORTC QLU-C10D using the OPUF method in Chinese cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

To develop the online personal utility function (OPUF) survey system for the Quality of Life Utility Measure-Core 10 Dimensions (QLU-C10D) and apply it to derive a Chinese QLU-C10D value set specifically based on cancer patients' preferences from a relatively small sample, and to further develop value sets for different age groups and cancer types.

METHODS

This study recruited patients with various cancer types at two hospitals in China between September and November 2024. Each participant completed a full OPUF questionnaire through face-to-face interviews and provided feedback. Personalized QLU-C10D utility functions were estimated for each patient by combining dimension weighting, level rating, and anchoring information. Model coefficients were then aggregated to elicit the social utility function and estimate group-level utility value sets.

RESULTS

A total of 305 cancer patients participated in the OPUF analysis. Over half (56.1%) of the cancer patients expressed a preference for choosing the worst QLU-C10D health state over death. The study found that physical functioning, pain, role functioning, and emotional functioning exhibited greater utility decrements, while symptoms such as fatigue, bowel problems, and nausea had relatively smaller utility decrements. Furthermore, preference heterogeneity was observed across different age groups and cancer types.

CONCLUSION

This study developed the first QLU-C10D utility value set based on cancer patient preferences in China and supports the use of this novel valuation method to develop utility value sets for cancer patients in other countries.