Effective use of PROs for survival prediction: Transformer-based modelling in NSCLC patients

Transformer-based survival models that integrate longitudinal PROs significantly enhance prognostic accuracy in SBRT-treated NSCLC patients. Loss of appetite and pain emerged as the most predictive symptoms, followed by overall wellbeing and shortness of breath. These findings suggest that targeted, symptom-focused PROs tracking could streamline clinical implementation and improve survival estimation in routine oncology care.