Table 3.

Range of anchor-based MID estimates from the mean change method and linear regression

	Mean change method*		Linear regression†
Scale	Improvement	Deterioration	Improvement	Deterioration
PF	7 to 10	−11 to −10	7 to 9	−10 to −8
RF	No MID	−6	No MID	−4
SF	7 to 9	−9 to −5	6 to 7	−11 to −5
CF	5	−4	4	−4
QL	10 to 14	−11 to −5	8 to 11	− 13 to −6
FA	8	−9 to −7	8	−8 to −6
NV	No MID	−12	No MID	−14
AP	No MID	−14	No MID	−18

^*The mean change method is useful for interpreting within-group change over time. The symptom scores were reversed to follow the functioning scales interpretation (ie, 0 represents the worst possible score and 100 the best possible score); “no MID” is used where no MID estimate is available either because of the absence of a suitable anchor or ES was either <0.2 or ≥0.8. All of the ESs for the no change group were <0.2. AP = appetite loss; CF = cognitive functioning; ES = effect size; FA = fatigue; MID = minimally important difference; NV = nausea and/or vomiting; PF = physical functioning; QL = global quality of life; RF = role functioning; SF = social functioning.

^†The linear regression is useful for interpreting between-group differences in change over time.