To compare two bladder cancer specific health related quality of life instruments (HRQOL) in the same patient population. Previous HRQOL studies in cystectomy patients have yielded conflicting results. Using a cross sectional study design we examined the only two validated Bladder Cancer Specific (HRQOL) measures.
Of the 256 patients who had undergone (RC) from 2009-2014, 131 met both inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Vanderbilt Cystectomy Index (FACT-VCI) and Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) were mailed to these patients. Overall HRQOL and individual domain scores were compared between the two instruments with a Spearman correlation coefficient. HRQOL scores were compared by urinary diversion type as well using a non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum test.
The response rate of 49% with 31 IC and 33 ON patients. Overall, there was a moderate correlation between the FACT-VCI and BCI survey (r=0.57, p<0.001). Responses on the BCI domains were strongly correlated with responses on the bladder cancer specific domain of the FACT VCI (r=0.74, p<0.001). The BCI scores for urinary function were significantly better in the IC group (p=0.002). No significant difference was found between IC and ON using the FACT VCI.
The FACT-VCI and BCI instruments correlate well within the same patient cohort but capture different aspects of HRQOL. By focusing exclusively on bladder cancer treatment concerns, the BCI appears to be a better tool for assessing and counseling patients on expected treatment specific changes after diversion type.
Urology. 2017 Jul 10 [Epub ahead of print]
T J Moncrief, P Balaji, B Lindgren, C J Weight, B R Konety
University of Minnesota Department of Urology, Minneapolis, MN., University of Minnesota Department of Urology, Minneapolis, MN. Electronic address: .