Description

Background: Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) covers the majority of bladder cancer incidence. Operable NMIBC patients have to receive Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT), every-three-month repeated cystoscopes and bladder-irrigated chemotherapy in the first year. The intrusion, repeated cystoscope/treatments and recurrence concern may influence NMIBC patients' quality of life.

Purposes: This is a 2-phase study. The aim of Phase I (first year) is to (1) test the psychometrics of NMIBC-specific Quality of Life (QOL) questionnaire "EORTC QLQ NMIBC 24-Chinese"; (2) examine patients' distress across multi-domains, including impacts on QOL, symptoms, physical function (upper/lower leg muscle power, balance), sexual/intimacy, fear of recurrence, and physical activity. Phase II (2nd&3rd year) is a two-group randomized trial for newly diagnosed NMIBC patients. It aims to (1) construct a Multi-domains Active-living Program (MAP) with e-health enhanced intervention; and (2) compare the effects of the MAP with oncology case manager (OCM) care (experimental group) and OCM care only (control group) of the effects on the above indicators (phase I) and the number of unexpected hospital visits.

Methods: Phase I is an instrument validation study. The "EORTC QLQ-NMIBC24-Chinese" will be to develop and examine of its psychometrics. We will also explore the above mentioned domains of QOL, distress, care needs, frequency of taking physical activities, etc. by questionnaire interview/assessment; and objective physical function measures (low leg muscle strengths and balance ability). An estimated sample size is 240 subjects. Phase II is a 12-month two-group randomized trial, including OCM care only (control), Vs. MAP+OCM program (experimental group). MAP will be constructed based on literature review and preliminary results. Main contents of MAP are to (a) cope multi-domain of distress, and (b) develop an active life style to handle their life after cancer, including effective coping, relaxation, regular physical activities, and balance nutrition. Four face-to face interventions will be delivered, including: day before hospital discharge post-operation, before the last weekly instillations of induction therapy (around 6±2 weeks post operation), 2nd-time cystoscopy and before 1st maintenance therapy (around 3- month post operation) and 3rd-time cystoscopy which before the second cycle of maintenance therapy (around 6- month post operation) [section 1-4], respectively. A brief and automatic app reminder (before) and side-effect follow-up (after) from 2nd section of face-to face intervention will be sent. Boosting health education will also be provided by app/ phone calls or in person around 2 to 4 weeks after discharge. Patients in the MAP+OCM group also can raise their questions through APP to receive brief intervention. The outcomes will be assessed at 5 time points: time before first intervention, before 2nd to 4th interventions, and 12 months, T1-T5, respectively. We will use Generalized Estimated Equation (GEE) to analyze the data with total 120 subjects (60 Vs 60 estimated).

Expected Outcome: This is the first study to test EORTC QLQ-NMIBC24 Chinese version, patients' distress and physical function as well as construct and test of a multi-domain MAP program. It would help us further build up evidence-based care and generalize to bladder cancer patients.