BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is relatively common; however, the results of treatment have marginally improved over the last half century. Though about 85% of patients have colorectal tumors resected with curative intent, a significant number of these patients will eventually die from cancer. As a result, many clinicians have advocated intensive follow-up in such patients as an attempt to increase survival. DATA SOURCES: A review of the literature focusing on studies that have specifically addressed postoperative surveillance programs in patients with colorectal cancer was conducted. Only studies with level A evidence were included. Further references were obtained through cross-referencing the bibliography cited in each work. CONCLUSION: One of the six prospective randomized studies demonstrated a statistically significant survival benefit. Undoubtedly, survival benefits can be shown with a well-designed evidence-based follow-up strategy. However, well-designed large prospective multi-institutional randomized studies are needed to establish a consensus for follow-up.
BACKGROUND:Colon cancer is relatively common; however, the results of treatment have marginally improved over the last half century. Though about 85% of patients have colorectal tumors resected with curative intent, a significant number of these patients will eventually die from cancer. As a result, many clinicians have advocated intensive follow-up in such patients as an attempt to increase survival. DATA SOURCES: A review of the literature focusing on studies that have specifically addressed postoperative surveillance programs in patients with colorectal cancer was conducted. Only studies with level A evidence were included. Further references were obtained through cross-referencing the bibliography cited in each work. CONCLUSION: One of the six prospective randomized studies demonstrated a statistically significant survival benefit. Undoubtedly, survival benefits can be shown with a well-designed evidence-based follow-up strategy. However, well-designed large prospective multi-institutional randomized studies are needed to establish a consensus for follow-up.
Authors: Verena Plodeck; Nuh N Rahbari; Juergen Weitz; Christoph G Radosa; Michael Laniado; Ralf-Thorsten Hoffmann; Klaus Zöphel; Bettina Beuthien-Baumann; Joerg Kotzerke; Joerg van den Hoff; Ivan Platzek Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2018-07-06 Impact factor: 5.315
Authors: G P Schmidt; A Baur-Melnyk; A Haug; S Utzschneider; C R Becker; R Tiling; M F Reiser; K A Hermann Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2009-02-04 Impact factor: 5.315