Cost comparative study of autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) and bone marrow (ABM) transplantations for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients

Intensive high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell support has become a common treatment strategy for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. A cost-identification analysis was conducted comparing 10 patients autografted with PBSC to 10 others autografted with BM. The analysis included harvest and graft until graft day +100 and was carried out from the point of view of the hospital setting. Resources used, logistic and direct medical costs per patient were identified, and sensitivity analyses performed. The cost distribution was different. Stem cell harvest was more expensive for PBPC ($9030) and BM ($4745); on the other hand, hospitalization from graft to discharge from hospital cost savings with PBSC were about $10666. After discharge from hospital, costs were similar and cheaper in both groups. For the overall study the PBPC procedure was less expensive than ABMT, $35381 and $41759 respectively, with cost savings of $6378. The number of days spent in hospital and blood bank costs were the major cost factors. This study was based on a single pathology, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the actual hospital records for each patient situation as opposed to a clinical trial, and our results were consistent with different previous studies carried out in different health care systems.

[Estimation of the treatment cost of cervical cancer]

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to estimate direct costs induced by the first year of treatment of cervix cancers according to the stage at diagnosis.

METHODS

Fifteen patients of the Gynaecology Department of the Besançon hospital (Doubs, France) were involved in a prospective study to estimate the real cost of treatment of carcinomas in situ (CIS) by conization and of microinvasive carcinomas (MIC) by simple hysterectomy. Costs of invasive cancers were obtained from a retrospective analysis of 24 hospital records in the Radiotherapy Department.

RESULTS

The average real cost of treatment for the CIS was 5023 FF (1995 French Francs). Real treatment cost of the MIC was 15,867 FF. The average cost of treatment for the IB and IIA cancers stage (FIGO classification) was 61,540 FF and 145,314 FF for the IIB to IV stage cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Cost-estimation of cervix cancer treatment according to the stage of diagnosis has to be done before starting a cost-effectiveness analysis of mass screening for cervix cancers. This study will allow us to take into account changes in the stages distribution following on a screening campaign.

Cancer incidence and mortality in France in 1975-95

The aims of the European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR) are to improve the quality, comparability and availability of cancer registry data in Europe. This paper on cancer incidence and mortality in France presents the most recent available data, with short-term projections to 1995, and a commentary based, where possible, on epidemiological research carried out in France. Cancer incidence in men in France increased throughout the study period 1975 to 1995, from 92,000 new cases in 1975 to about 135,000 in 1995. This increase was partly due to the ageing of the French population, but incidence rates have also increased, particularly from 1975 to 1985. The trend appears to be levelling off in the 1990s, with an incidence rate in 1995 of about 482 per 100,000 (this and subsequent rates quoted are standardized to the European Standard Population). Among women, the all-cancer incidence rates also increased during the 1970s and 1980s. Although the rate of increase was less pronounced than in men, the trend is continuing in the 1990s. The estimated age standardized rate in 1995 was 309 per 100,000, representing 104,000 new cases. The main components of these changes in the last decade were, for men, increases in large bowel and prostate cancer, which have been partly compensated for by decreases in oral cavity, larynx and stomach cancer. For women the trend was dominated by the continuing increase in breast cancer with increases also in large bowel and lung cancers. Of the numerically important cancers in women, only stomach cancer has shown a clear decline. The situation in 1995 was that breast cancer remained the predominant cancer affecting women in France, accounting for almost one third of all new cases of cancer diagnosed and one fifth of cancer deaths. The next most frequent cancers in women were those of the large bowel. Regrettably, incidence rates of both breast and bowel cancer are increasing in women. For men in France the most frequent cancers in 1995 were those of the prostate, large bowel and lung, all of which increased in incidence since 1975. Although it is estimated that there will be more newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer than lung cancer in 1995, the latter will cause many more deaths, particularly of young men.

[Female genital and breast cancers in France: geographic distribution and estimation of incidence]

The aim of the study was to assess the incident number of female breast and genital tract cancers for the whole of France. The study focused on the 1983-1987 period and on 9.1% of the French population. The incident number of female breast and genital tract cancers was estimated for each site and for each of eight French administrative regions covered by a cancer registry qualified through the National Committee of Registries (Calvados, Côte-d'Or, Doubs, Hérault, Isère, Bas-Rhin, Somme, Tarn). Information on mortality rates was available at a regional level as well as at a nationwide level. The method estimated the national incidence rate modelizing the regional age-specific incidence rate as a function of corresponding mortality rate. Breast cancer was the leading site with 25,277 new cases per year while female genital tract cancers affected about 13,856 women. The cancer risk, estimated in using cumulative rate 0-74 years, was assessed at 7.1% for breast and at 1.2%, 1.4% and 1.1% for cervix uteri, corpus uteri and ovary respectively. Breast and genital tract cancers constituted 49% of the whole of cancers in women. Observed breast incidence rate was stable through French regions. There were pronounced contrasts in cervix uteri cancer risk, and some french regions displayed a high risk close to the observed European maxima. Interregional contrasts in risk of the other genital tract cancers were less striking. This study emphasized the importance of female breast and genital tract cancers for public health in France. The main aim of the French Cancer Registries Network is to provide a comprehensive description of cancer risk in France and to produce pertinent projection to 2005 horizon, combining the present data and the already accumulated 1988-1992 data.

[Prostate cancer screening (II): is prostate cancer a public health problem? Update of incidence and mortality figures in France from 1982 to 1990]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the epidemiological situation of prostatic cancer in France on the basis on a large population sample.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study uses incidence data derived from French cancer registers, and mortality data obtained from death certificates. Crude rates and rates standardized for the world population are calculated. The variation of these rates is analysed by a log-linear model (adjusted for age, department and period).

RESULTS

The incidence of prostatic cancer in France in 1990 was 200 to 300/100,000 between the ages of 60 and 70 years and more than 600/100,000 after the age of 70 years. 73% of cases were diagnosed after the age of 70 years. The incidence increased annually by 8.76% between 1982 and 1990. An estimated 22,600 cases were diagnosed in France in 1990. The increased incidence of localized or local stages is due to the use of diagnostic tests (PSA and ultrasound-guided biopsies), as this increase accelerated after 1987. The crude mortality rate was 33.4/100,000 (384/100,000 between the ages of 75 and 85 years). It increased by 2.56% per annum from 1982 to 1990, but essentially for men over the age of 75 years.

CONCLUSION

These findings tend to make prostatic cancer a public health priority, but this affirmation must be moderated by the fact that this disease has a low impact on loss of life expectancy.

Colon cancer in the elderly: evidence for major improvements in health care and survival

Time trends in therapeutic approaches and in the prognosis of colon cancer for patients aged 75 years and above have been investigated in comparison with corresponding trends for younger patients using a population-based series of 2089 colon cancer patients diagnosed between 1976 and 1990 in the Côte-d'Or area (478,000 inhabitants), Burgundy, France. Significant progress has been achieved in the management of patients with colon cancer in both age groups, but trends have been more noticeable in patients aged 75 years and above. In the elderly, the proportion of cancers limited to the digestive tract wall showed a 3-year average increase of 2.8% (P = 0.02) and the frequency of curative surgery an average increase of 8.6% (P < 0.001), so that it was performed in 80% of cases in the last 3-year period. Operative mortality decreased by 2.5% between 3-year periods (P < 0.004). Crude 5-year survival rates in elderly patients increased from 15% in the 1976-78 period to 29% in the 1985-87 period (P < 0.001), the corresponding figures being 36% and 44% (P > 0.10) in younger patients.

[Digestive cancers in France. Geographic distribution and estimation of national incidence]

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of digestive cancers in 9 French departments and to give an estimate of this incidence for the whole of France, based on this data.

METHODS

This study focused on the 1983-1987 period. The record quality for the 9 included registries (Calvados, Côted'Or, Doubs, Haute-Garonne, Hérault, Isère, Bas-Rhin, Somme, Tarn) has been assessed by the National Committee of Registries. The crude incidence rates and those standardized according to the world population have been worked out per localization and per sex. Incidence and mortality rates per department as well as mortality rates for the whole of France have enabled the assessment of the incidence and number of new digestive cancer cases per year.

RESULTS

Esophagus and liver cancers are distinguished by large incidence disparities, fluctuating in a ratio of 1 to 5, and by a high sex ratio. In other localizations, incidence rates vary in a ratio of 1 to 2. The incidence rates of digestive cancers were especialy high in the Bas-Rhin department. They tended to be higher in Côte-d'Or, Doubs, Calvados and Somme, than in Haute-Garonne. Hérault and Tarn. The estimated number of digestive cancers was 30,071 in males and 19,951 in females: colorectal cancer was particularly frequent, 14,179 cases and 12,228 cases, respectively.

CONCLUSION

There are some geographical variations, from one region to another, in digestive cancer incidence in France more pronounced for esophagus and liver cancers than for other localizations. Because of its frequency, colorectal cancer represents a serious problem for public health.

Late psychosocial sequelae in Hodgkin's disease survivors: a French population-based case-control study

PURPOSE

To evaluate late psychosocial sequelae in long-term survivors of Hodgkin's disease (HD) in the population of Calvados, France.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-three patients issued from the Calvados General Tumor Registry, treated from 1978 to 1990, free of relapse and second malignancy since January 1991, were enrolled onto cross-sectional case-control study. One hundred eighty-six healthy controls, matched for sex, age, and residency, were selected at random from electoral rolls. Two self-administered questionnaires were mailed in the spring of 1995.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, HD patients reported (1) more physical (P < .001), role (P < .001), and cognitive (P = .015) functioning impairments, as well as dyspnea (P < .001) and chronic fatigue (P = .025), while no statistical difference was found in global health status; (2) to be more often childless (P = .04), fewer divorces or separations (P = .013), fewer changes in relationships with friends (P = .012), similar proportions at work but less ambitious professional plans (P < .001), and greater difficulties in borrowing from banks (P < .001); (3) a slight increase in the number of visits to a general practitioner (P = .05) and greater consumption of medical resources (mainly thyroid extracts, P = .05).

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that French long-term HD survivors have good global health status and good psychologic, familial, and professional status, although difficulties in borrowing from banks remain a major limitation in daily life. Although physical, role, and cognitive functioning impairments persist that might limit their activities, HD survivors seem to have learned to cope with problems related to their disease and its treatment.

Multiple primary cancers and estimation of the incidence rates and trends

The use of different registration rules from one registry to another, both generally and also for paired organs, leads to variations in the proportion of multiple primary cancers: in men, from 0.4 to 4.9% for the colon, 0.1 to 2.7% for the lung, and 4.1 to 8.6% for the mouth and pharynx. Subjective factors, often impossible to verify, contribute to these variations. The impact on the estimation of incidence rates and trends is not negligible for cancers of the mouth and the pharynx and for all the cancers taken together. The trend towards an increase of cancers of the mouth and pharynx in the Bas-Rhin disappeared when the incidence was expressed taking only the first cancer (incidence by individual) into consideration, and the differences in incidence between the Calvados and the Bas-Rhin registries for the same site also disappeared. In the absence of harmonisation of the rules and methods followed for registration, incidence by individual is the only approach which makes it possible to compare incidence rates and trends between registries.

[Psychosocial aspects of cancer screening]

Psychosocial reluctance is a major obstacle to the success of mass screening. In France, several opinion polls demonstrated that the fear of cancer as a disease, the fear of a positive result and the fear of the possible therapeutic consequences were the major determinants opposed to screening despite information often known to the public. The psychological obstacles appear less important in the US population, except for minorities. Age seems to be a discriminating factor, indeed after 50 years, reluctance to screening is increased probably due to a generation effect influencing the meaning of the disease and the interest of screening. Site specific constraints also exist, in colorectal cancer, 30% of the people feel as an embarrassment the manipulation of the stools. If false positives are responsible for a supplementary anxiety, it doesn't last long and it doesn't influence the observation of future campaign. These psychosocial obstacles as a whole justify the need of converging information that must take into account cultural problems. The favourable influence of the general practitioner explains his essential role for the success of mass screening.

[Comparison of relative survival vs. classical survival. Apropos of primary bronchial cancer]

The aim of the study is to compare the usefulness of a recent relative survival model versus more classical methods for univariate and multivariate survival analysis, applied to a population of patients with surgically cured non small cell lung cancer, in determination of prognostic factors and appreciation of the exact role of age on survival. We studied 156 patients surgically treated between 1975 and 1988. Both univariate and multivariate analysis were performed, using the actuarial method and the Cox model for crude survival and the additive Hakulinen model (1985) for relative survival (total risk of death equal to natural risk of death in general population plus disease specific risk of death) which is an age-adjusted survival corrected for normal life expectancy. In addition, the loss in life expectancy was also calculated. Our 156 patients (including six females), whose age ranged from 30 to 78 (mean age 59) were almost all current or former smokers (97%) and 63% had clinical trouble. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histology (76%) before adenocarcinomas (20%). Pneumonectomy and lobectomy were equally performed. Post surgical TNM staging was stage I = 78 (50.3%), II = 23 (14.8%), IIIa = 44 (28.4%), IIIb = 10 (6.5%). By 31 December 1990, 116 patients had died, 24 were alive and 16 lost to follow-up. In univariate analysis, overall survival is (crude/relative): 1 year (75.8%/77.5%), 2 years (53.8%/56.0%), 5 years (28.7%/32.5%), 10 years (14.4%/18.9%). Univariate prognostic factors are histopathology, surgical procedure and post operative TNM staging. The overall loss in life expectancy is 71.4% (5.5 years of life expectancy vs 19.21). The loss is higher for the younger patients than for the older ones (73% for the 30-49 year old group--59.2% for the more than 70 year old group). In multivariate analysis, prognostic factors are: Cox model: post-surgical TNM staging, histopathology and age (RR = 2.18 [1.13-4.23] for patients over 65); Hakulinen model: TNM staging. In this model, age is no longer a significant prognostic factor. In conclusion, this study confirmed the poor prognosis of NSCLC, even if a curative surgical procedure has been possible, with a 5-year survival of 48% for stage I tumours but only 6% for stage III tumours. The most significant prognostic factor is the post-surgical TNM staging. The relative survival model of Hakulinen dismissed age as a significant prognostic factor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Results of bilio-digestive derivative surgical procedures for benign lesions

Short and long term results of 52 derivative-surgical procedures (43 choledocho-duodenal and 9 hepatico-jejunal with 45 latero-lateral and 7 termino-lateral approaches) were examined. The procedures were performed on patients with benign bilio-digestive conditions: 46 cases of lithiasis, 2 of which were sump syndromes after latero-lateral derivations, and 6 cases of chronic pancreatitis. Several patients were in poor pre-operative condition, which may have influenced postoperative mortality rates (6%). Morbidity was 15 per cent. Four patients (8%) without anastomotic stenosis had infections of the hepatobiliary system within four years of choledochoduodenostomy. In some cases of benign bilio-digestive lesions, derivative surgery is the procedure of choice, being preferable to endoscopic sphincterotomy. In derivative surgery, a termino-lateral approach has better results than a latero-lateral approach. Furthermore, due to the risk of stasis following a choledochoduodenostomy, a hepaticojejunostomy may be preferable.

Age and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. Usefulness of a relative survival model

The aim of our study was the comparative evaluation of a relative survival model and a Cox model to determine the prognostic factors of survival for patients with surgically cured non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We focused particularly on the exact role of age in this survival. 156 patients treated between 1975 and 1988 were studied. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, using the actuarial method and the Cox model for crude survival and the Hakulinen model for relative survival. This study confirmed the poor prognosis of NSCLC, even if a curative surgical procedure has been possible, with a 5-year survival of 48% for stage I tumours but only 6% for stage III tumours. The most significant prognostic factor was the postsurgical TNM staging. The relative survival method of Hakulinen dismissed age as a significant prognostic factor. Our study underlines the usefulness of relative survival methods which should be more frequently employed to allow comparisons between series of different origin and to set up multicentre therapeutic trials.

Views of a general population on mass screening for colorectal cancer: the Burgundy Study

BACKGROUND

The success of a screening program depends on a number of factors, including the validity of the test, its efficacy, its feasibility, and the rate of compliance. Thus, it is important to determine the factors influencing compliance to the screening test in order to obtain a high participation rate.

METHODS

A mass screening campaign for colorectal cancer using the Hemoccult test was conducted in Burgundy, France. One year later, a questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of the population to assess the views of the general public (870 persons who had not completed the Hemoccult test, 750 persons who had a negative test, and 100 persons who had a positive test). The compliance rate of this survey was 32.2% among persons who had not completed the screening test, 88.2% among persons with a negative result, and 98.0% among persons with a positive result.

RESULTS

The main reason for not participating was not wanting to know more about their health status (34.3%). Of the factors credited with encouraging persons to perform the test, the most important ones were the practitioner's explanations (55.7%) and the leaflet sent by mail (42.5%). The impact of the media campaign was weak. A small portion of the population (4.3%) said that they were very anxious while waiting for the results. Among persons with a positive screening test, only 1.2% regretted having taken it. Among those who took the test, 94.2% said they were ready to do it again; and among those who did not take it, 36.7% would accept it at a second screening.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that overall the Hemoccult is well accepted, that the campaign did not upset the population, and that it is worthwhile at the second screening to include those who did not participate in the first screening test.

Effect of gut-associated lymphoid tissue on cellular proliferation in proximal and distal colon of the rat

In previous studies, chemically induced colonic carcinomas were found to originate preferentially from crypts adjacent to lymphoid tissue. Proliferative parameters and mucosecretion were analyzed in proximal and distal rat colon in relation to the proximity of lymphoid patches. Animals received an intraperitoneal pulse of bromodeoxyuridine 1-hr before death. In both proximal and distal colon, crypts located at the immediate proximity of the lymphoid formations contained fewer mucous cells (P less than 0.001), but a higher percentage of proliferative epithelial cells (P less than 0.001) than the crypts far from lymphoid formations. The labeling index was higher in crypts adjacent to lymphoid patches compared to crypts distant from lymphoid patches only in the lower third of the crypts. The association of an increased proliferative activity and a decrease in differentiated mucosecreting cells in colonic crypts adjacent to lymphoid patches could be related to the particular sensitivity of these crypts cells to the effects of mutagens and carcinogens.

Prognosis of gastric carcinoma after curative surgery. A population-based study using multivariate crude and relative survival analysis

A population-based series of 246 gastric cancer patients operated for cure and who survived the postoperative phase was reviewed to determine prognostic factors after potentially curative treatment. The overall five-year observed survival rate was 34.8%, and the relative survival rate was 43.9%. Previous history of gastric ulceration, tumor location, tumor size, gross appearance, extension within the gastric wall, and number of proximal lymph nodes involved were significantly related to both crude and relative survival rates. Age was a significant prognostic factor when considering crude survival rates, but it had no influence on relative survival rates. Multivariate analysis of crude and relative survival gave similar results except for age. The covariates retained in the final model were, by decreasing importance, extension within the gastric wall, lymph node involvement, gross appearance and tumor location. Combining the two major prognostic criteria, tumor extension through the gastric wall and lymph node involvement, four prognostic categories could be determined with five-year corrected survival rates ranging from 92% in patients with a carcinoma limited to the gastric wall to 17% in patients with more than two positive nodes whatever the extension in the gastric wall. Gross appearance had no influence on prognosis for carcinomas limited to the gastric wall, but had a significant impact on prognosis of more extended carcinomas. From these data, a simple staging system requiring only routinely available pathological data was proposed. This classification could be helpful for planning multicenter clinical trials on this disease where progress in therapy is needed.

[General practitioners' experience in a mass screening campaign of colorectal cancers]

In a mass screening campaign of colorectal cancer, general practitioners play an essential role for obtaining a high rate of participation from people. It is important to analyze the reasons for the participation and their actual experiences in the campaign. Out of 71 GPs participating in the campaign, 67 have been interviewed by a sociologist and 51 GPs (76%) considered themselves "motivated" for participating after an instruction course in small groups. Sixteen GPs were sceptical about the outcome or not highly motivated. However thirteen of them participated by moral obligation vis à vis their patients or for not being different from their colleagues. All GPs appreciated being actively involved in the organization of the screening campaign and considered that the public had been well informed. Such information covered the information leaflet, the press campaign at the beginning of the campaign and the recall letter for those who had not been consulted during the time when the test was distributed by GPs. The main constraint was the time spent to convince the patients to do the screening test and explain its importance. The additional time, 5 to 10 minutes per consultation was important to the GPs. They thought it was fair to be paid for their active participation. These data suggest that it is possible to motivate GPs for a mass screening campaign, on the condition that they are actively involved and participate in an instruction course for small groups.

Different multiple regression models for estimating survival: use in a population-based series of colorectal cancers

Two additive models for estimating relative survival, recently available in statistical packages, were compared to the Cox model in order to define practical criteria for choosing one of these three models. The three models were applied to a series of 1062 colorectal cancer incident cases recorded at the "Registre des Tumeurs Digestives de Côte d'Or" to study the impact on survival of age, sex and socio-economic status. The respective advantages of each method and facilities of each program were identified. This study emphasized the importance of multiple regression models for estimating relative survival: from the epidemiologist's point of view, they reinforce the validity of international comparisons of survival statistics, from the clinician's point of view, they permit to identify the real prognostic significance of variables related to life expectancy in the general population.

Epidemiology, management, and prognosis of malignant large bowel polyps within a defined population

The population based registry of digestive tract tumours established for the department of Côte d'Or, France (population 480,000) was used to study the epidemiology and management of malignant large bowel polyps. In a 10 year period (1976-85), 146 cases were recorded in the area. Age standardised incidence rates were 2.7 per 100,000 for men and 1.4 per 100,000 for women. Although incidence rates increased significantly during the study period, large bowel cancer diagnosed as a malignant polyp remained relatively rare (6.2% of all registered large bowel cancers). Two malignant polyps (1.4%) were less than 1 cm in diameter, 34 (23.3%) were more than 30 mm. Sixty patients were treated by endoscopic polypectomy, four by contact radiotherapy, 21 by surgical local excision, 58 by colectomy (10 preceded by polypectomy), and three by colotomy. Operative mortality was 8.2% after intra-abdominal surgery, 4.8% after local surgical excision, and 0% after polypectomy (p less than 0.05). All deaths occurred in patients over 65 years. The five year cumulative recurrence rates were 8.9% after surgical excision and 11.3% after endoscopic polypectomy (NS). The corresponding five year net survival rates were 86.1% and 95.9%. Endoscopic excision alone can be considered a sufficient treatment for adenomas with malignant change unless there is evidence of incomplete resection or a high risk of lymph node metastases.

Incidence and survival rates during a two-year period of intracerebral and subarachnoid haemorrhages, cortical infarcts, lacunes and transient ischaemic attacks. The Stroke Registry of Dijon: 1985-1989

The age- and sex-specific incidence and survival rates over two years of intracerebral and subarachnoid haemorrhages, cortical infarcts, lacunes and transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) in a town of 140,000 inhabitants, are reported. During the five years, (1985 to 1989), 984 patients suffering from first stroke were registered by the Dijon Stroke Registry. The diagnosis was established by a CT-Scan in 88% of cases. Intracerebral haemorrhages (ICH) account for 8.8% of strokes, subarachnoid haemorrhages (SH) for 1.5%, cortical infarcts (CI) for 45.6%, lacunes for 16.7%, TIA for 15.8%, and 11% were undetermined. The annual average incidence rates per 100,000 are 13.4 for ICH, 2.0 for SH, 69.0 for Cl, 30.0 for lacunes and 25.5 for TIA. The survival rates for the acute stage (up to four weeks) differ between ICH and SH (46% and 67%), and the other types of strokes: 77% for Cl, 90% for lacunes and 98% for TIA. The survival rates of unclassified stroke are similar to ICH rates. At two years, survival rates of lacune and TIA are the highest. The divergences between public hospital based data and population-registry data are discussed. A population registry is necessary for studying the natural history of stroke.