A critical evaluation of current protocols for the follow-up of women treated for gynecological malignancies: a pilot study

Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2001 Sep-Oct;11(5):349-53. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1438.2001.01042.x.

Abstract

This retrospective review was undertaken to determine the efficacy of routine follow-up in the detection and management of recurrent cancer. The case notes of all women attending a regional cancer center who were diagnosed with cancer in 1997 were reviewed. Of 81 new cancers followed up for a median of 42 months (range 36-48), 14 have recurred after curative treatment and there were six cases of persistent disease. The median number of clinic visits per patient was 3.5 (range 1-16). Eight recurrences (57.1%) were diagnosed at scheduled outpatient appointments, three (2 l.4%) presented to the general practitioner (GP), and three were seen as emergencies in hospital. Seventeen patients with persistent/recurrent disease have died and three are alive with disease. The median time from initial presentation to disease recurrence was 12 months (range 5-25) and the median time from recurrence to death was 5 months (range 1-20). The longest interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of recurrence (4 months) occurred in those presenting at scheduled outpatient clinics. This study demonstrates that the current follow-up protocol is associated with delays in diagnosing recurrence, because symptomatic patients postpone seeking help until their scheduled visit. We have therefore commenced a prospective study evaluating other models of follow-up.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Clinical Protocols / standards*
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • England / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / mortality*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / prevention & control
  • Gynecology / standards
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / mortality*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Women's Health Services / standards*