Objective:

To carry out the translation and transcultural adaptation of the gastrointestinal symptoms component (GIS) of the CTCAE, scale version 4.02, in outpatient patients treated with chemotherapy at the National Cancer Institute, Bogotá (Colombia).

Methods:

It was performed a manual search of scales on electronic media, in English or Spanish languages, which will evaluate the presence and intensity of GIS in oncological patients. The selection of the items was made by an informal consensus of a technical committee, which verified the concordance between the main GIS described in the literature and those included in the scale, all of which could affect the nutritional status. For transcultural adaptation, there were followed the steps and recommendations of the ISPOR Handbook, as well as those of the EORTC quality of life group. The pilot test was conducted in 30 patients selected for convenience, who met the inclusion criteria.

Results:

52% were men; the average age was 54.2 years (+/-15.3 years). The most frequent cancers were: colorectal (28%), stomach (16%) and breast (12%). The 14 GIS included in the scale were experienced by all patients, so they were retained, and no other addition was required. The average time of application of the instrument was 5 minutes, and 90% of the participants considered it appropriate.

Conclusions:

A 14-item instrument was generated to measure GIS in cancer patients who undergo outpatient chemotherapy, which is of fast application and uses a language that is easily understood by patients. Its clinimetrics properties remain to be defined.

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