OBJECTIVES: To evaluate brain cancer specific health related quality-of-life (HRQOL) instruments used in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients for group and individual level decision-making. METHODS: An extensive literature search was conducted to identify brain cancer specific HRQOL instruments using several databases including Medline, PsycINFO, and Health and Psychosocial Instruments. Key search terms included “quality of life” and “glioblastoma”. Only brain cancer specific HRQOL instruments evaluating GBM patients were retained for evaluation of item information, practicality, breadth, depth, reliability (group level based on Nunnally & Bernstein 1994 and individual level based on McHorney & Tarlov 1995 criteria), validity and responsiveness. RESULTS: Four instruments were identified: extended Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (e-RSCL); European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life core 30 (EORTC QLQ C30) with brain cancer module (BCM20); EORTC QLQ C30+3 with BCM20; and a newly developed instrument deriving its core from the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) with addition of a brain cancer module (BC). The EORTC QLQ C30 was the most widely used instrument and satisfied practicality, breadth and validity criteria (convergent: r=0.61-0.70, p<0.05; known-groups: p<0.05). This instrument offered the most extensive reliability information with 4 of 9 domains meeting the 0.70 criterion for group level decision-making. The SIP core with BC was notable for high levels of missing psychometric data. CONCLUSION: Measuring the impact of treatment on HRQOL is critical, especially in terminal conditions. However, none of the instruments in this study met the criteria for individual level decision-making. This was due in part to unavailable psychometric data as well as data not meeting study criteria. Based on the results from this study, the EORTC QLQ C30 is recommended for use in group level decision-making in conjunction with another HRQOL instrument, for example a generic instrument. Further studies are required to evaluate the psychometric properties of the BCM20.