Diagnostic Accuracy of the NCCN Distress Thermometer for the Assessment of Psychosocial Distress among Filipino Patients with Cancer

Objective. The study aimed to assess the validity of National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (NCCN-DT) for determining psychosocial distress, as applied Filipino patients with cancer. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive that included adult cancer undergoing treatment at tertiary private hospital. NCCN-DT was administered together Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) gold standard diagnostic test distress. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis done determine accuracy screening tool. Results. 114 adults cancer. ROC showed an Area Under Curve (AUC) score 0.98 against PHQ-8. cut-off ≥7 sensitivity 100% and specificity 89.3% detecting positive predictors distress were identified: sadness (P<0.001), fear (P=0.001), depression (P=0.002), worry (P=0.02), childcare (P=0.03), fatigue decisions (P=0.04), loss interest in usual activities memory/concentration (P=0.04). Conclusion. had satisfactory agreement PHQ-8 among patients. A using gave highest this population. findings can be used validation tool prospective application.