Abstract
Urothelial cell carcinoma primarily affects the elderly and may be associated with high morbidity and mortality. With the aging of the US population, therapeutic options for bladder cancer need to take into account the unique challenges of elderly patients who often have multiple associated comorbid conditions. Quality of life is now a well-recognized and important outcome measure that should be considered when deciding between the various treatments for bladder cancer. This is especially critical in the elderly patient where lengthening survival may not be the foremost goal. Treatments for both superficial and invasive bladder cancer may have an impact on quality of life, but a lack of baseline assessments in studies limits the conclusions that can be drawn. Based on available literature, quality of life in elderly patients undergoing radical cystectomy is satisfactory, regardless of whether a continent or incontinent form of urinary diversion is performed. Future prospective studies utilizing baseline assessments that include elderly patients are needed.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.