Objective: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in patients who had undergone intravesical treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and analyse the correlation between QoL and local symptoms.
Methods: A total of 106 non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients were enrolled. Quality of life was measured using the Chinese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Local symptoms were measured with Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS) questionnaire. Both questionnaires were administered before starting the instillation and after instillation. The correlation between local symptoms and QoL was analyzed.
Results: Quality of life was significantly impaired by intravesical treatment. The scores of global health status and social functioning significantly decreased from 83·3±11·8 and 100 to 74·5±17·2 and 83·6±15·4 respectively. The symptoms of pain, diarrhea, and financial difficulties scored higher than that of baseline. The CLSS and QoL index increased significantly compared to baseline. The scores of global health status and pain were significant associated with CLSS.
Conclusion: Long-term intravesical treatment could decline the QoL of patients. Local symptom was an important factor found to be associated with impairment of QoL. Appropriate therapy for local symptoms might improve the patients' overall QoL.
Keywords: Core lower urinary tract symptom score; Intravesical treatment,; Quality of life,.