Understanding Quality of Life in Radiation & Chemotherapy in Bladder Cancer Patients

Observational Trial: Bladder Cancer

A Study Which Looks at the Quality of Life of Bladder Cancer Patients Receiving Routine Radiation and Chemotherapy

Technical Title:  A Study to Obtain Quality of Life Data Following Bladder-Preservation Chemo-Radiation for Patients with Bladder Cancer

Basic Information:

Chemoradiation, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, is a standard of care approach for the definitive treatment of patients with newly diagnosed muscle-invasive bladder cancer and to preserve the bladder.
This study will assess constitutional, gastrointestinal, and genito-urinary toxicities using validated quality of life questionnaires. Detailed knowledge of these matters will better inform future patients and physicians as to how well patients tolerate these treatments, and allow for a better comparison with surgical approach for bladder cancer.

Research Procedures:

Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer being treated at UCLA with routine chemoradiotherapy will be asked to complete Quality of Life (QOL) questionnaires regarding urinary, bowel and sexual function prior to radiation treatments, and at each follow-up visit after radiation treatment.
Patients are expected to participate in follow-up for a minimum of 3 years and will be encouraged to continue follow-up for up to 5 years.

Eligibility Criteria (Not a complete list):

Inclusion Criteria

• Histologically confirmed muscle-invasive urothelial cancer 
• No metastatic disease present

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients with metastatic disease may not participate
• Patients who have received prior radiotherapy for bladder cancer may not participate

For More Detailed Information Contact:

• Vicky Ramirez, Study Coordinator (310) 267-8996
• UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology