Longitudinal Survey of HRQoL in Bladder Cancer Patients

What is it about?

The study aimed to describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with new bladder cancer diagnoses in a prospective 12-month observational cohort study. The study used questionnaires such as the EuroQoL five Dimensions (EQ-5D), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ)-30-item core, EORTC QLQ-24-item nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer, and EORTC QLQ-30-item muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The results were compared with the Cancer Quality of Life Survey and Health Survey for England. A total of 349 patients were recruited, with 296 (85%) completing the first survey and 233 (67%) completing the final survey. The patients underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), intravesical therapy, radical cystectomy/radiotherapy, or palliation. At baseline, patients needing radical treatment reported worse HRQoL including lower social function, increased fatigue, and more future worries than patients who underwent TURBT. Post-treatment surveys showed no change/improvements for patients who underwent TURBT but deterioration for the radically treated cohort. At the final survey, reports were similar to baseline, regardless of treatment. Radically treated patients continued to report poorer HRQoL including issues with body image and male sexual function compared to those who underwent TURBT. Radically treated patients reported lower EQ-5D utility scores and more problems with usual activities than the general population.

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important because it provides insight into the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer. By comparing different treatment options and their impact on patients' HRQoL, this study can help healthcare providers develop targeted symptom and supportive care to improve patients' overall well-being and quality of life. Key Takeaways: 1. Patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) have better HRQoL outcomes compared to those who undergo radical treatment. 2. Radically treated patients report greater changes in HRQoL, including problems with body image, male sexual function, and mobility, compared to those who undergo TURBT. 3. Radically treated patients have lower HRQoL scores and report more problems with carrying out usual activities than the general population. 4. The study identifies the need for appropriate clinical and supportive care to minimize the impact of treatments on patients' HRQoL.