Health-Related Quality of Life Across the Spectrum of Bladder Cancer: A Current Review

The purpose of this review is to highlight the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) burden of bladder cancer due to the disease itself and its treatments.

Large database studies have provided evidence that patients with bladder cancer have worse HRQOL than the general population. While transurethral resections and intravesical therapy are known to cause urinary symptoms, a large impact on HRQOL otherwise has not been demonstrated. Radical cystectomy (RC) has considerable morbidity, but after an initial adjustment period, there are favorable HRQOL outcomes. Evidence is insufficient to conclude that there are HRQOL advantages for continent versus ileal conduit urinary diversion, minimally invasive RC, or trimodal therapy.

Bladder cancer and its treatment has a considerable HRQOL burden, but even among those requiring radical treatment, acceptable long term HRQOL is possible. Research on improved HRQOL assessment and translating this to personalized support are needed.