Comparative Evaluation of Bladder Specific Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) Instruments for Bladder Cancer

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: .