How Tumor Markers are used in the Routine Follow-up of Breast and Colorectal Cancer. A Survey of 29 Italian Hospitals

1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 124-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gion ◽  
P. Barioli ◽  
A. Ponti ◽  
V. Torri ◽  
R. Mione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Marker ◽  
Tumor Markers ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Relative Uncertainty ◽  
Hospital Beds ◽  
Wide Variability ◽  
Methodological Aspects ◽  
The Impact

The impact of tumor markers on the outcome of several malignancies is still under debate. This relative uncertainty leads to a subjective approach to their use. Monitoring the use of tumor markers is a valuable tool to identify the need for educational policies. We conducted a survey to evaluate how tumor markers are routinely used in the follow-up of patients with breast, colorectal and ovarian carcinoma. The former two malignancies are considered in the present paper. We surveyed 35 Italian hospitals; 29 (83%, accounting for 26,622 hospital beds) filled in and returned the questionnaire. Overall, 467,361 tumor marker requests were scrutinized by the surveyed hospitals. We found a wide variability in the type and number of routinely used markers, the cutoff points chosen, and the clinical decisions taken on the basis of marker results. In addition, we observed a relative lack of communication between clinicians and clinical pathologists in around 50% of the surveyed hospitals. In these cases clinical information was not provided to the laboratory and methodological aspects were not communicated to clinicians. From the findings of the present study we conclude that the cooperation between clinicians and clinical pathologists must improve before guidelines for the use of tumor marker assays can be framed and the compliance with these guidelines can be checked. Request forms for tumor marker assays should therefore be designed to contain clinical information and the quality of filling in request forms with clinical data should be carefully monitored.

Evaluating the impact of a trial in breast cancer tumor markers: A value of research analysis.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e16524-e16524
Author(s):  
Rahber Thariani ◽  
David K Blough ◽  
William Barlow ◽  
Norah Lynn Henry ◽  
Julie Gralow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Tumor Marker ◽  
Tumor Markers ◽  
Societal Value ◽  
Cancer Tumor ◽  
The Impact

e16524 Background: Despite not being recommended by clinical guidelines, the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA)15-3, and CA 27.29 are used by some clinicians to screen for increased risk of breast cancer recurrence. Although additional research may be warranted to evaluate the benefits and risks of breast cancer tumor marker tests, clinical trials would likely need to involve thousands of women and would take many years to complete. We conducted an analysis to assess the societal value of a prospective randomized clinical trial (RCT) for breast tumor marker testing in routine follow-up of high-risk, stage II-III breast cancer survivors Methods: We used value of information techniques to assess the benefits of reducing uncertainty of using breast cancer tumor markers. We developed a decision-analytic model of biomarker testing in addition to standard surveillance at follow-up appointments every 3-6 months for five years. Expected value of sample information (EVSI) was assessed over a range of trial sizes and assumptions. Results: The overall value of research for an RCT involving 9,000 women was $166 million (EVSI). The value of improved information characterizing the survival impact of tumor markers was $81 million, quality-of-life $38 million, and test performance $95 million. Conclusions: Our analysis indicates that substantial societal value may be gained by conducting a clinical trial evaluating the use of breast cancer tumor markers. The most important aspects of the trial in our analysis were information gained on survival improvements as well as quality-of-life parameters associated with testing and test sensitivity and specificity. Our analysis indicates that smaller randomized trials, as well as adding quality of life instruments to existing trials, retrospective, and observational trials can also generate valuable and relevant information.

Quality Assessment of Tumor Marker Determinations: A Proposal for a Supraregional Scheme

1994 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-52
Author(s):  
A. Piffanelli ◽  
M. Giganti ◽  
P. Colamussi ◽  
C. Cittanti ◽  
D. Pelizzola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Tumor Marker ◽  
Tumor Markers ◽  
External Quality Assessment ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
External Quality ◽  
Realistic Information ◽  
Eqa Schemes

The use of tumor marker tests has increased progressively in the last decade concomitant with the advent of new monoclonal antibodies and their growing use in clinical oncology for various follow-up programs. External quality assessment (EQA) schemes widely adopted in clinical chemistry, have been extended in the last decade to immunoassays of hormones and tumor markers. EQA results can provide realistic information on the quality of the assays, performed under routine conditions. The goal of this article is to report the main results and discrepancies encountered so far in External Quality Assessment programs on tumor markers.

The effect of surgery in tenosynovial giant cell tumours as measured by patient-reported outcomes on quality of life and joint function

2019 ◽  
Vol 101-B (3) ◽  
pp. 272-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. G. M. Verspoor ◽  
M. J. L. Mastboom ◽  
G. Hannink ◽  
W. T. A. van der Graaf ◽  
M. A. J. van de Sande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Diffuse Type ◽  
Joint Function ◽  
Population Means ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and joint function in tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) patients before and after surgical treatment. Patients and Methods This prospective cohort study run in two Dutch referral centres assessed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)) in 359 consecutive patients with localized- and diffuse-type TGCT of large joints. Patients with recurrent disease (n = 121) and a wait-and-see policy (n = 32) were excluded. Collected data were analyzed at specified time intervals preoperatively (baseline) and/or postoperatively up to five years. Results A total of 206 TGCT patients, 108 localized- and 98 diffuse-type, were analyzed. Median age at diagnosis of localized- and diffuse-type was 41 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29 to 49) and 37 years (IQR 27 to 47), respectively. SF-36 analyses showed statistically significant and clinically relevant deteriorated preoperative and immediate postoperative scores compared with general Dutch population means, depending on subscale and TGCT subtype. After three to six months of follow-up, these scores improved to general population means and continued to be fairly stable over the following years. VAS scores, for both subtypes, showed no statistically significant or clinically relevant differences pre- or postoperatively. In diffuse-type patients, the improvement in median WOMAC score was statistically significant and clinically relevant preoperatively versus six to 24 months postoperatively, and remained up to five years’ follow-up. Conclusion Patients with TGCT report a better HRQoL and joint function after surgery. Pain scores, which vary hugely between patients and in patients over time, did not improve. A disease-specific PROM would help to decipher the impact of TGCT on patients’ daily life and functioning in more detail. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:272–280.

scholarly journals Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Cervical Spine Surgery for Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3375
Author(s):  
Atsushi Kimura ◽  
Katsushi Takeshita ◽  
Toshitaka Yoshii ◽  
Satoru Egawa ◽  
Takashi Hirai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Lower Extremity Function ◽  
Cervical Spine Surgery ◽  
The Impact

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus (DM); however, the impact of DM on cervical spine surgery for OPLL remains unclear. This study was performed to evaluate the influence of diabetes DM on the outcomes following cervical spine surgery for OPLL. In total, 478 patients with cervical OPLL who underwent surgical treatment were prospectively recruited from April 2015 to July 2017. Functional measurements were conducted at baseline and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery using JOA and JOACMEQ scores. The incidence of postoperative complications was categorized into early (≤30 days) and late (>30 days), depending on the time from surgery. From the initial group of 478 patients, 402 completed the 2-year follow-up and were included in the analysis. Of the 402 patients, 127 (32%) had DM as a comorbid disease. The overall incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in patients with DM than in patients without DM in both the early and late postoperative periods. The patients with DM had a significantly lower JOA score and JOACMEQ scores in the domains of lower extremity function and quality of life than those without DM at the 2-year follow-up.

scholarly journals P181 Long-term improvement in axial spondyloarthritis clinical outcomes following 2-weeks of intensive education and rehabilitation: results from the Bath residential rehabilitation programme

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosie Barnett ◽  
Anita McGrogan ◽  
Matthew Young ◽  
Charlotte Cavill ◽  
Mandy Freeth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽  
Rehabilitation Programme ◽  
Spinal Mobility ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background/Aims  Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic rheumatic condition, characterised by inflammatory back pain - often associated with impaired function and mobility, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Despite the vast advances in pharmacological treatments for axSpA over the last few decades, physical activity and rehabilitation remain vital for effective disease management. At the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath (RNHRD), the 2-week inpatient axSpA rehabilitation programme has been integral to axSpA care since the 1970’s. Prior research has demonstrated significant short-term improvements in spinal mobility (BASMI), function (BASFI) and disease activity (BASDAI) following course attendance. However, the long-term outcomes are yet to be evaluated in this unique cohort. Methods  Since the early 1990’s, clinical measures of spinal mobility, function and disease activity have been routinely collected at the RNHRD at all clinical appointments through administration of the BASMI, BASFI and BASDAI, respectively. Dates of attending the axSpA course and standard clinical and treatment follow-up data were also collected. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the impact of course attendance on final reported BASMI, BASDAI and BASFI scores (final score=most recent). Length of follow-up was defined as time between first and last recorded BASMI. Results  Of the 203 patients within the Bath SPARC200 cohort, 77.8% (158/203) had attended at least one rehabilitation course throughout follow-up. 70.0% (140/203) of patients were male. The mean duration of follow-up was 13.5 years (range 0-35 years); 28.1% (57/203) of individuals with 20+ years of follow-up. Course attendance (yes versus no) significantly reduced final BASMI score by 0.84 (p = 0.001, 95%CI -1.31 to -0.37) and final BASDAI score by 0.74 (p = 0.018, 95%CI -1.34 to -0.13). Although course attendance reduced final BASFI by 0.45 (95%CI -1.17 to 0.28), this relationship did not reach significance (p = 0.225). Whilst minimally clinically important difference (MCID) is, to our knowledge, yet to be defined for BASMI, MCIDs were achieved long-term for both BASDAI and BASFI - defined by van der Heijde and colleagues in 2016 as 0.7 and 0.4 for BASDAI and BASFI, respectively. Conclusion  These results provide novel evidence to support the integral role of education, physical activity and rehabilitation in the management of axSpA. Future work should investigate additional outcomes of critical importance to patients and clinicians, such as fatigue, quality of life and work productivity. Furthermore, a greater understanding of the factors that confound these outcomes may provide insights into those patients who may most benefit from attending a 2-week rehabilitation course. In addition to facilitating identification of those patients who may require additional clinical support. Disclosure  R. Barnett: None. A. McGrogan: None. M. Young: None. C. Cavill: None. M. Freeth: None. R. Sengupta: Honoraria; Biogen, Celgene, AbbVie, Novartis, MSD. Grants/research support; Novartis, UCB.

Psychiatric and psychosocial morbidity 1 year after epilepsy surgery

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
S. Patel ◽  
M. Clancy ◽  
H. Barry ◽  
N. Quigley ◽  
M. Clarke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Epilepsy Surgery ◽  
Refractory Epilepsy ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Axis I ◽  
Patients With Epilepsy ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives: There is a high rate of psychiatric comorbidity in patients with epilepsy. However, the impact of surgical treatment of refractory epilepsy on psychopathology remains under investigation. We aimed to examine the impact of epilepsy surgery on psychopathology and quality of life at 1-year post-surgery in a population of patients with epilepsy refractory to medication. Methods: This study initially assessed 48 patients with refractory epilepsy using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory 89 (QOLIE-89) on admission to an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) as part of their pre-surgical assessment. These patients were again assessed using the SCID-I, QOLIE-89 and HADS at 1-year follow-up post-surgery. Results: There was a significant reduction in psychopathology, particularly psychosis, following surgery at 1-year follow-up (p < 0.021). There were no new cases of de novo psychosis and surgery was also associated with a significant improvement in the quality of life scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the impact of epilepsy surgery on psychopathology and quality of life in a patient population with refractory surgery. The presence of a psychiatric illness should not be a barrier to access surgical treatment.

scholarly journals The course of peripheral neuropathy and its association with health-related quality of life among colorectal cancer patients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia S. Bonhof ◽  
Lonneke V. van de Poll-Franse ◽  
Dareczka K. Wasowicz ◽  
Laurens V. Beerepoot ◽  
Gerard Vreugdenhil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Eortc Qlq ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose To gain more insight into the course of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a population-based sample of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients up to 2 years after diagnosis. Methods All newly diagnosed CRC patients from four hospitals in the Netherlands were eligible for participation in an ongoing prospective cohort study. Patients (n = 340) completed questions on CIPN (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20) and HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) before initial treatment (baseline) and 1 and 2 years after diagnosis. Results Among chemotherapy-treated patients (n = 105), a high sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) level was reported by 57% of patients at 1 year, and 47% at 2-year follow-up, whereas a high motor peripheral neuropathy (MPN) level was reported by 47% and 28%, at years 1 and 2, respectively. Linear mixed model analyses showed that SPN and MPN symptoms significantly increased from baseline to 1-year follow-up and did not return to baseline level after 2 years. Patients with a high SPN or MPN level reported a worse global quality of life and a worse physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning compared with those with a low SPN or MPN level. Conclusions Future studies should focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying CIPN so targeted interventions can be developed to reduce the impact of CIPN on patient’s lives. Implications for cancer survivors Patients need to be informed of both CIPN and the impact on HRQoL.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with oral cancer in Brazil

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Paula de Andrade ◽  
José Leopoldo Ferreira Antunes ◽  
Marcelo Doria Durazzo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Posterior Part ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
The Impact

This study performed a field trial of a Portuguese version of the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire (UW-QOL, 3rd version), aiming at appraising its ability to identify different patterns of health-related quality of life of patients with oral cancer in Brazil. Patients (N = 100) were interviewed as they were undergoing treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma at a large Brazilian hospital ("Hospital das Clínicas", School of Medicine, University of São Paulo). The results were compared based on categories of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. At a one-year follow-up, 20 patients had died, and 24 were considered dropouts. The remaining patients accounted for the longitudinal assessment of modifications in the self report of quality of life. Patients with larger tumours and neoplasms in the posterior part of the mouth presented significantly (p < 0.05) poorer indications of quality of life. Chewing was the poorest rated domain (35.0/100.0), and presented the highest proportion of complaints both at the baseline and at the follow-up assessments. The questionnaire allowed the identification of important contrasts (while comparing clinical characteristics) and similarities (while comparing socio-demographic status) among subsets of respondents, and it can contribute to reduce the impact of treatments and improve subsequent patient management.

Endoscopic Surveillance Practice for Barrett's Oesophagus in Scotland and Early Experience in Implementing Local Guidelines

2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
E F Shen ◽  
S Gladstone ◽  
G Milne ◽  
S Paterson-Brown ◽  
I D Penman
Keyword(s):  
Early Experience ◽  
High Grade Dysplasia ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Wide Variability ◽  
Low Grade Dysplasia ◽  
Surveillance Practice ◽  
Four Quadrant ◽  
The Impact

Management of columnar lined oesophagus (CLO; Barrett s oesophagus) is controversial. We prospectively audited surveillance practices in Scotland and prospectively assessed the impact of introducing local guidelines for Barrett s surveillance in Edinburgh. Most respondents were gastroenterologists. The majority take random, not four quadrant, biopsies from the CLO. In Edinburgh during 2000, 80 patients underwent surveillance. The guideline protocol was not followed in 30 (37.5%) patients. Follow up of patients without dysplasia generally conformed to the guidelines. Follow up of patients with low grade dysplasia was highly variable while management of those with high grade dysplasia followed the guidelines. Overall we found a wide variability in the management and surveillance of CLO. Early experience suggests that implementation of guidelines is helpful but there is still variation in practice.

Exploring the scope of homoeopathy in combating the unfortunate consequences of post-COVID-19 survivors based on non-COVID conditions: a narrative review

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish Kumar Dixit ◽  
Nibha Giri ◽  
Shishir Singh
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Cardiac Insufficiency ◽  
Medical Database ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives The long-term consequences of COVID-19 survivors care and post-coronavirus infection are not yet well understood. The review aims to see whether homoeopathy can help COVID-19 survivors recover from its consequences and improve their quality of life. Content A systematic search of published articles for post-COVID sequelae and the impact of Homoeopathy were conducted. For the literature search, the major electronic bio-medical database PubMed/MEDLINE was used. In addition, supplementary searches were conducted through the references of those published articles. Summary A total of 113 records were identified of which 61 studies included for this review. Homoeopathy is effective in the treatment of mental disorders including anxiety and depressive disorder (ADD), some research studies have found, although systematic reviews disagree. Likewise, some medical societies denounce homoeopathy for pain management; other literature shows that it can be used to treat pain effectively. Homoeopathy can aid in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as Crataegus, a homoeopathic medication, was found to be just as effective as a standard angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and diuretic treatment for minor cardiac insufficiency. The outcomes for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Influenza, and Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTIs) are also promising. Outlook Based on the results of homoeopathy in non-COVID conditions, it can be thought of in the management of post-COVID-19 outcomes. Consequently, we propose that while investigating post-COVID-19 patient rehabilitation, homoeopathic management may be included as part of the follow-up route and as much data as possible in the context of homoeopathy should be collected, so that in future, the role of homoeopathy in dealing with it can be better demonstrated.

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