Quality of Life in Bladder Cancer Patients

Because of the nature of the disease and its treatment characteristics, quality of life (QoL) issues are very important for patients with bladder cancer. However, very few high-quality studies have investigated this issue. In general, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) decreases following a bladder cancer diagnosis and continues for a prolonged period. HRQOL tends to decrease with increasing age and is associated with comorbid medical conditions. Among bladder cancer patients, QoL is not generally affected by treatment type. Overall QoL may also not differ according to diversion type, in radical cystectomy patients. However, one systematic review suggested that patients with orthotopic neobladders have superior emotional functioning and body image compared to those with ileal conduits. QoL studies involving non-muscle-invasive or metastatic bladder cancers are still very rare. By more completely understanding HRQOL issues, better treatment strategies may be chosen during informed decision-making. Thus, well-designed prospective studies evaluating QoL in patients with bladder cancer are required.