Translation and Pilot Validation of the EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 Module in Indian Languages (Hindi and Marathi) for Use in Indian Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Background Cancer and its related treatments have a huge impact on a patient's quality of life (QOL). To measure such QOL in cancer patients, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has introduced various scales/questionnaires for various cancers. In the present study, we aimed to translate and validate high-grade Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL-HG) English questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29) into Hindi and Marathi (two of the most popular Indian language) to make it available for patients and the scientific community. Materials and methods The EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 was translated into Hindi and Marathi languages as per EORTC guidelines. The translated questionnaire was pilot-tested in a sample of 20 patients (10 for each translation) with NHL-HG. Results After procuring required approvals from EORTC, the existing QLQ-NHL-HG29 English questionnaire was translated (forward and backward) into vernacular languages (Hindi and Marathi). Later, the translations were sent to EORTC for evaluation and all the queries raised by EORTC toward translations were discussed and included in the final questionnaires as per EORTC guidelines. On receiving approval from EORTC translation coordinator, pilot study was conducted in 20 patients. In the pilot study, 10 patients were given the Hindi questionnaire and other 10 patients were given the Marathi questionnaire. Based on the pilot testing interpretations or suggestions from the patients, all the necessary modifications were incorporated in the questionnaires and sent to EORTC for validation and approval. Conclusion Both the translations (Hindi and Marathi) submitted to the EORTC have now been approved (QLQ-NHL-HG29) by the EORTC-QOL unit and after procuring necessary permissions from the EORTC both of these translations can be used reliably in clinical practice and clinical trials to assess QOL in patients suffering from NHL-HG.