Comparative Evaluation of Bladder-specific Health-related Quality of Life Instruments for Bladder Cancer

Objective: To compare 2 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 2 validated bladder cancer-specific (HRQOL) measures.

Methods: Of the 256 patients who had undergone radical cystectomy from 2009 to 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 2 instruments with a Spearman correlation coefficient. HRQOL scores were compared by urinary diversion type as well using a non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results: Our study had a response rate of 49% from 31 ileal conduit (IC) and 33 orthotopic neobladder patients. Overall, there was a moderate correlation between the FACT-VCI and BCI surveys (r = 0.57, P <.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 <.001). The BCI scores for urinary function were significantly better in the IC group (P = .002). No significant difference was found between IC and orthotopic neobladder using the FACT-VCI.

Conclusion: 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.