Lack of patient-reported outcomes assessment in phase III breast cancer studies: a missed opportunity for informed decision making

Therapy for metastatic breast cancer is, by definition, given with palliative intent. As oncologists, our goal is to prolong life while also minimizing cancer- and treatment-related symptoms. While some recent therapeutic advances have led to longer survival times for our patients, many unfortunately have not. In this setting, survivorship issues, such as quality of life and employment outcomes, can be determinant