A M Stiggelbout1, J C de Haes, C J van de Velde. 1. Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands. stiggelbout@rullf2.medfac.leidenuniv.nl
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A worldwide variation in policy is seen regarding adjuvant systemic treatment for node negative breast cancer (NNBC). After the first presentations of the 10-year EBCTCG results, a study was carried out in the Netherlands to assess patterns of care and to obtain the views of oncologists as to what constitutes a worthwhile benefit from treatment. METHODS: A questionnaire regarding patterns of use of and preferences for adjuvant chemotherapy in younger women was mailed to surgical, medical and radiation oncologists in the Netherlands. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent stated that NNBC patients under 50 in their hospital never received adjuvant chemotherapy. The majority considered a 10-year survival gain of 6%-10% sufficient to warrant the use of chemotherapy in patients under 50. Surgical oncologists required a larger benefit from treatment than radiotherapists and medical oncologists. The more frequently oncologists treated patients in a research context, the less benefit they required from treatment to make it worthwhile. CONCLUSIONS: Data such as these are valuable input into the process of guideline development, and may help discussion within the profession as to what benefit offsets the burden of treatment.
BACKGROUND: A worldwide variation in policy is seen regarding adjuvant systemic treatment for node negative breast cancer (NNBC). After the first presentations of the 10-year EBCTCG results, a study was carried out in the Netherlands to assess patterns of care and to obtain the views of oncologists as to what constitutes a worthwhile benefit from treatment. METHODS: A questionnaire regarding patterns of use of and preferences for adjuvant chemotherapy in younger women was mailed to surgical, medical and radiation oncologists in the Netherlands. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent stated that NNBC patients under 50 in their hospital never received adjuvant chemotherapy. The majority considered a 10-year survival gain of 6%-10% sufficient to warrant the use of chemotherapy in patients under 50. Surgical oncologists required a larger benefit from treatment than radiotherapists and medical oncologists. The more frequently oncologists treated patients in a research context, the less benefit they required from treatment to make it worthwhile. CONCLUSIONS: Data such as these are valuable input into the process of guideline development, and may help discussion within the profession as to what benefit offsets the burden of treatment.
Authors: S J Jansen; J Kievit; M A Nooij; J C de Haes; I M Overpelt; H van Slooten; E Maartense; A M Stiggelbout Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2001-06-15 Impact factor: 7.640
Authors: M Kunneman; A H Pieterse; A M Stiggelbout; R A Nout; M Kamps; L C H W Lutgens; J Paulissen; O J A Mattheussens; R F P M Kruitwagen; C L Creutzberg Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2014-06-12 Impact factor: 7.640
Authors: A H Pieterse; A M Stiggelbout; M C M Baas-Thijssen; C J H van de Velde; C A M Marijnen Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2007-09-17 Impact factor: 7.640