Quality of Life among Hungarian Adolescents with Cancer: The Hungarian Adaptation of the Minneapolis-Manchester Quality of Life Instrument - Adolescent Form (MMQL-AF)

Purpose With improvements in childhood cancer survival, attention has shifted toward health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and long-term treatment effects. This study aimed to adapt and validate the adolescent form of the Minneapolis-Manchester Quality of Life Instrument (MMQL-AF) for use in Hungary and to explore factors influencing HRQoL in childhood cancer survivors. Methods Ninety-two children with cancer (46 receiving active treatment and 46 ≥ 1 year post-treatment) and 46 healthy controls completed the MMQL-AF. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Validity was evaluated by correlations with the Hungarian Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0) and by comparing scores across groups. The impact of tumor type and socioeconomic status on HRQoL was also examined. Results The MMQL-AF demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.73–0.90; ICC 0.78–0.96) and high concurrent validity with PedsQL scores. Children with cancer reported significantly lower HRQoL than healthy peers (mean 3.58 vs. 3.81; p = 0.012). HRQoL did not differ significantly between those on treatment and survivors. However, children with bone, soft-tissue, or central nervous system tumors reported worse outcomes (p = 0.015). Positive parental relationships were strongly associated with a better outlook (p < 0.001). Conclusions The Hungarian MMQL-AF is a reliable and valid tool for assessing HRQoL among adolescents with cancer. Tumor type and family environment significantly influence survivor well-being. Implications for Cancer Survivors This instrument enables comprehensive HRQoL assessment in Hungarian pediatric oncology, supporting identification of at-risk groups and informing survivorship care strategies tailored to medical and psychosocial needs.