The collection of patient-reported outcome (PRO) data such as quality of life (QoL) has provided important information in clinical trials. Increasingly, researchers are evaluating the use of this type of data in the clinical setting. The benefits of PRO/QoL data collection, methods for collecting data and the use of the data by clinicians are increasingly being studied. This article will address the issues and benefits of QoL and other PRO data collection within oncology clinical practice.