Symptom Monitoring and Health-Related Quality of Life in Non-metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Purpose of ReviewThis review aims to investigate the effect of patient-reported symptom monitoring, defined as the process of active and systematic reporting of symptoms initiated by the patient, on the health-related quality of life of breast cancer patients.Recent FindingsEvidence suggests that online patient-reported symptom monitoring has the potential to positively impact the health-related quality of life of non-metastatic breast cancer patients, who are receiving systemic therapy. However, there is a lack of literature specifically addressing patient-reported symptom monitoring and HRQoL in metastatic breast cancer patients.SummaryAdditional research on symptom monitoring and HRQoL in breast cancer patients at all stages and during all phases in the disease trajectory, including its impact on personalized treatment, is needed before integration into routine care can be considered. Validated questionnaires and current implementation frameworks should be used to accelerate knowledge development about symptom monitoring for patients and their healthcare professionals, ultimately enhancing symptom self-management and the efficiency of breast cancer healthcare in the future.