A network approach to investigating the inter-relationship between health-related quality of life dimensions and depression in 1735 Chinese patients with heterogeneous cancers.

Background: We aimed to explore the inter-connection between depression and HRQOL dimensions in cancer patients using a network approach, which might provide new insights for precise interventions to improve cancer patients' overall HRQOL.

Methods: Between June 1, 2016, and August 31, 2017, a total of 1735 eligible patients with heterogeneous types of cancer were recruited. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) were used to measure patients' depression status and HRQOL, respectively.