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Holthuis EI, van der Graaf WTA, Drabbe C, van Houdt WJ, Schrage YM, Hartman TCO, Uijen AA, Bos I, Heins M, Husson O. The prediagnostic general practitioner care of sarcoma patients: A real-world data study. J Surg Oncol 2024; 130:265-275. [PMID: 38946219 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited understanding exists regarding early sarcoma symptoms presented during general practitioner (GP) consultations. The study explores GP visit patterns and recorded diagnoses in the 12 months preceding sarcoma diagnosis. METHODS Sarcoma cases diagnosed from 2010 to 2020 were identified through the Netherlands Cancer Registry alongside general practice data. Sarcoma cases were age and gender matched to cancer-free controls (2:1 or 1:1 ratio). RESULTS A total of 787 individuals with soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) and 188 individuals with bone sarcoma (BS) were identified. There was a significant difference in monthly GP contacts from 4 months to the last month before STS diagnosis, and 2 months before BS diagnosis between cases and controls. Most prevalent diagnoses recorded by the GP for STS cases included musculoskeletal neoplasm (26.6%), uncomplicated hypertension (15.6%), and cystitis/other urinary infections (12.2%). For BS cases, musculoskeletal neoplasm (42.8%), knee symptoms/complaints (9.7%), and shoulder symptoms/complaints (9.7%) were most frequent. CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION A significant difference in GP contacts between cases and controls preceding sarcoma diagnosis. STS cases were predominantly diagnosed with nonspecific symptoms, whereas BS cases with diagnoses more suggestive of BS. Better understanding of the prediagnostic trajectory could aid GPs in early identification of sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily I Holthuis
- Medical Oncology Department, NKI-AVL - Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Winette T A van der Graaf
- Medical Oncology Department, NKI-AVL - Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cas Drabbe
- Medical Oncology Department, NKI-AVL - Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute of Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Winan J van Houdt
- Surgical Oncology Department, NKI-AVL - Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne M Schrage
- Surgical Oncology Department, NKI-AVL - Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim C Olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute of Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie A Uijen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute of Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Bos
- Department of Primary Care, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne Heins
- Department of Primary Care, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Husson
- Medical Oncology Department, NKI-AVL - Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Holthuis EI, Heins MJ, van Houdt WJ, Haas RL, Overbeek JA, Olde Hartman TC, Uijen AA, Wee L, van der Graaf WTA, Husson O. Improving Diagnosis and Care for Patients With Sarcoma: Do Real-World General Practitioners Data and Prospective Data Collections Have a Place Next to Clinical Trials? JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2024; 8:e2400054. [PMID: 38950319 DOI: 10.1200/cci.24.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been growing interest in the use of real-world data (RWD) to address clinically and policy-relevant (research) questions that cannot be answered with data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) alone. This is, for example, the case in rare malignancies such as sarcomas as limited patient numbers pose challenges in conducting RCTs within feasible timeliness, a manageable number of collaborators, and statistical power. This narrative review explores the potential of RWD to generate real-world evidence (RWE) in sarcoma research, elucidating its application across different phases of the patient journey, from prediagnosis to the follow-up/survivorship phase. For instance, examining electronic health records (EHRs) from general practitioners (GPs) enables the exploration of consultation frequency and presenting symptoms in primary care before a sarcoma diagnosis. In addition, alternative study designs that integrate RWD with well-designed observational RCTs may offer relevant information on the effectiveness of clinical treatments. As, especially in cases of ultrarare sarcomas, it can be an extreme challenge to perform well-powered randomized prospective studies. Therefore, it is crucial to support the adaptation of novel study designs. Regarding the follow-up/survivorship phase, examining EHR from primary and secondary care can provide valuable insights into identifying the short- and long-term effects of treatment over an extended follow-up period. The utilization of RWD also comes with several challenges, including issues related to data quality and privacy, as described in this study. Notwithstanding these challenges, this study underscores the potential of RWD to bridge, at least partially, gaps between evidence and practice and holds promise in contributing to the improvement of sarcoma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily I Holthuis
- Medical Oncology Department, NKI-AVL-Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marianne J Heins
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Winan J van Houdt
- Surgical Oncology Department, NKI-AVL-Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rick L Haas
- Department of Radiotherapy, NKI-AVL-Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jetty A Overbeek
- PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tim C Olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute of Medical Innovation, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Annemarie A Uijen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute of Medical Innovation, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Leonard Wee
- School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Winette T A van der Graaf
- Medical Oncology Department, NKI-AVL-Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Olga Husson
- Medical Oncology Department, NKI-AVL-Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Wheelwright SJ, Russ S, Mold F, Armes J, Harder H. Symptomatic presentation of cancer in primary care: a scoping review of patients' experiences and needs during the cancer diagnostic pathway. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e076527. [PMID: 38508614 PMCID: PMC10961516 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective was to map the experiences and needs of patients presenting with symptoms of suspected cancer in the primary care interval (from when they first present to primary care to their first appointment or referral to a secondary or tertiary level healthcare facility). DESIGN This was a scoping review. INCLUSION CRITERIA Studies or reports written in English which included primary data on the primary care interval experiences and/or needs of adult patients presenting with new symptoms of suspected cancer were eligible. Studies which only included patients with secondary or recurring cancer, conference abstracts and reviews were excluded. No date limits were applied. METHODS The Joanna Briggs Institute method for Scoping Reviews guided screening, report selection and data extraction. At least two independent reviewers contributed to each stage. Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Embase and Web of Science were searched and several grey literature resources. Relevant quantitative findings were qualitised and integrated with qualitative findings. A thematic analysis was carried out. RESULTS Of the 4855 records identified in the database search, 18 were included in the review, along with 13 identified from other sources. The 31 included studies were published between 2002 and 2023 and most (n=17) were conducted in the UK. Twenty subthemes across four themes (patient experience, interpersonal, healthcare professional (HCP) skills, organisational) were identified. No studies included patient-reported outcome measures. Patients wanted (1) to feel heard and understood by HCPs, (2) a plan to establish what was causing their symptoms, and (3) information about the next stages of the diagnostic process. CONCLUSIONS Scoping review findings can contribute to service planning as the cancer diagnostic pathway for symptomatic presentation of cancer evolves. The effectiveness of this pathway should be evaluated not only in terms of clinical outcomes, but also patient-reported outcomes and experience, along with the perspectives of primary care HCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Russ
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Freda Mold
- Department of Health Care Management & Policy, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Jo Armes
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Helena Harder
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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Whitfield E, White B, Denaxas S, Barclay ME, Renzi C, Lyratzopoulos G. A taxonomy of early diagnosis research to guide study design and funding prioritisation. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1527-1534. [PMID: 37794179 PMCID: PMC10645731 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02450-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Researchers and research funders aiming to improve diagnosis seek to identify if, when, where, and how earlier diagnosis is possible. This has led to the propagation of research studies using a wide range of methodologies and data sources to explore diagnostic processes. Many such studies use electronic health record data and focus on cancer diagnosis. Based on this literature, we propose a taxonomy to guide the design and support the synthesis of early diagnosis research, focusing on five key questions: Do healthcare use patterns suggest earlier diagnosis could be possible? How does the diagnostic process begin? How do patients progress from presentation to diagnosis? How long does the diagnostic process take? Could anything have been done differently to reach the correct diagnosis sooner? We define families of diagnostic research study designs addressing each of these questions and appraise their unique or complementary contributions and limitations. We identify three further questions on relationships between the families and their relevance for examining patient group inequalities, supported with examples from the cancer literature. Although exemplified through cancer as a disease model, we recognise the framework is also applicable to non-neoplastic disease. The proposed framework can guide future study design and research funding prioritisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Whitfield
- ECHO (Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes), Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, UCL (University College London), 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
- Institute of Health Informatics, UCL, London, UK.
| | - Becky White
- ECHO (Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes), Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, UCL (University College London), 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Spiros Denaxas
- Institute of Health Informatics, UCL, London, UK
- British Heart Foundation Data Science Centre, London, UK
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
- UCL Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Matthew E Barclay
- ECHO (Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes), Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, UCL (University College London), 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Cristina Renzi
- ECHO (Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes), Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, UCL (University College London), 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- ECHO (Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes), Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, UCL (University College London), 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
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Kruiswijk AA, Dorleijn DMJ, Marang-van de Mheen PJ, van de Sande MAJ, van Bodegom-Vos L. Health-Related Quality of Life of Bone and Soft-Tissue Tumor Patients around the Time of Diagnosis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2804. [PMID: 37345139 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone and soft-tissue tumor patients experience long-lasting physical and psychological challenges. It is unknown to what extent Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is already affected during the diagnostic process. This study assesses the HRQoL of bone and soft-tissue tumor patients around time of diagnosis and explores which patient or tumor characteristics are associated with a reduced HRQoL. METHODS All patients with a suspected benign/malignant bone tumor (BT), benign soft-tissue tumor (STT), or malignant soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) visiting the Leiden University Medical Center between 2016 and 2020 were invited to complete the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 29-item profile questionnaire. Mean scores of all included patients and per diagnosis group were compared to mean scores of the general population using one-sample t-tests. RESULTS Overall, patients (n = 637) reported statistically significantly worse HRQoL-scores on anxiety (51.3 ± 9.6), pain (55.3 ± 10.1), physical functioning (46.0 ± 9.7), and social functioning (48.1 ± 10.8) with the difference in pain and physical functioning being clinically relevant (based on a 3-point difference on t-metric). HRQoL-scores differed between diagnosis subgroups, i.e., patients with malignant tumors had higher anxiety levels and experienced more pain, where patients with bone tumors had worse physical functioning. CONCLUSION The HRQoL of patients with suspected bone and soft-tissue tumors is already affected during the diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk A Kruiswijk
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Desiree M J Dorleijn
- Orthopedic Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Perla J Marang-van de Mheen
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel A J van de Sande
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Leti van Bodegom-Vos
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Quality of care and quality of life as experienced by patients with advanced cancer of a rare tumour type: results of the multicentre observational eQuiPe study. J Cancer Surviv 2023:10.1007/s11764-022-01323-8. [PMID: 36595186 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01323-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with a rare cancer face difficulties during their disease trajectory, such as delayed diagnosis and lack of expert care. However, little is known about their perceived quality of care (QoC) and quality of life (QoL) in the advanced disease stage. We aimed to assess the QoC and QoL as experienced by patients with advanced rare cancers compared to patients with advanced common cancers. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, baseline data of patients with advanced cancer from the multicentre, longitudinal, observational eQuipe study were analysed. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to assess differences in experienced QoC (continuity of care, continuity of information, and satisfaction with care) and QoL (functioning, symptoms, overall QoL, and social wellbeing) between advanced rare and common cancer patients. RESULTS Of the 1087 included patients, 106 (9.8%) had a rare cancer type. In comparison to patients with advanced common cancers, patients with advanced rare cancers experienced significantly lower continuity of care (77.8 vs. 71.1 respectively, p = 0.011) and social functioning (78.8 vs. 72.6 respectively, p = 0.012). No differences were found regarding continuity of information, satisfaction with care, overall QoL, and social wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Patients with advanced rare cancers experience less continuity of care, and the impact of the disease on social and family life seems higher compared to patients with advanced common cancers. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS To enhance the QoC and QoL of patients with advanced rare cancers, supportive care should mainly focus on improving continuity of care and patients' social functioning.
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Thomas B, Bigdeli AK, Nolte S, Gazyakan E, Harhaus L, Bischel O, Lehner B, Egerer G, Mechtersheimer G, Hohenberger P, Horch RE, Andreou D, Schmitt J, Schuler MK, Eichler M, Kneser U. The Therapeutic Role of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Interdisciplinary Treatment of Soft-Tissue Sarcomas in Germany-Cross-Sectional Results of a Prospective Nationwide Observational Study (PROSa). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174312. [PMID: 36077847 PMCID: PMC9454490 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The mainstay of soft-tissue-sarcoma treatment remains ablative surgery with complete tumor resection. In this context, reconstructive plastic surgery has become an important aspect of multidisciplinary sarcoma therapy aiming at limb preservation as an alternative to amputations. In this present study, cross-sectional data collected prospectively at 39 study centers across Germany were analyzed, focusing on both the inhouse availability of plastic surgery and external accessibility to plastic surgery in 621 cases. In summary, unplanned and incomplete primary tumor resections carried out at centers with lower degrees of specialization were associated with a significantly increased need for subsequent flap-based defect coverage. In line with this, a readily available team of plastic surgeons was independently associated with successful defect reconstruction, which in turn was associated with significantly higher chances of limb preservation. We conclude that easily accessible plastic surgery and a high degree of expertise in the field of sarcoma treatment are indispensable for limb preservation following sarcoma resection. Plastic and reconstructive surgery therefore plays a vital role in achieving the best possible outcomes in the interdisciplinary treatment of soft-tissue sarcomas. Abstract Although the involvement of plastic surgery has been deemed important in the treatment of sarcoma patients to avoid oncological compromises and ameliorate patient outcomes, it is not ubiquitously available. The accessibility of defect reconstruction and its therapeutic impact on sarcoma care is the subject of this analysis. Cross-sectional data from 1309 sarcoma patients were collected electronically at 39 German study centers from 2017 to 2019. A total of 621 patients with surgical treatment for non-visceral soft-tissue sarcomas were included. The associated factors were analyzed exploratively using multifactorial logistic regression to identify independent predictors of successful defect reconstruction, as well Chi-squared and Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests to evaluate subgroups, including limb-salvage rates in extremity cases. A total of 76 patients received reconstructive surgery, including 52 local/pedicled versus 24 free flaps. Sarcomas with positive margins upon first resection (OR = 2.3, 95%CI = 1.2–4.4) that were excised at centers with lower degrees of specialization (OR = 2.2, 95%CI = 1.2–4.2) were independently associated with the need for post-oncological defect coverage. In this context, the inhouse availability of plastic surgery (OR = 3.0, 95%CI = 1.6–5.5) was the strongest independent predictor for successful flap-based reconstruction, which in turn was associated with significantly higher limb-salvage rates (OR = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.0–2.1) in cases of extremity sarcomas (n = 366, 59%). In conclusion, consistent referral to specialized interdisciplinary sarcoma centers significantly ameliorates patient outcomes by achieving higher rates of complete resections and offering unrestricted access to plastic surgery. The latter in particular proved indispensable for limb salvage through flap-based defect reconstruction after sarcoma resection. In fact, although there remains a scarcity of readily available reconstructive surgery services within the current sarcoma treatment system in Germany, plastic and reconstructive flap transfer was associated with significantly increased limb-salvage rates in our cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Thomas
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.T.); (U.K.); Tel.: +49-(621)-6810-2944 (B.T.); +49-(621)-6810-2328 (U.K.)
| | - Amir K. Bigdeli
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Steffen Nolte
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Emre Gazyakan
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Leila Harhaus
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Oliver Bischel
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Burkhard Lehner
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Paraplegiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gerlinde Egerer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Hohenberger
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Raymund E. Horch
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dimosthenis Andreou
- Department of General Orthopedics and Tumor Orthopedics, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Evidence-based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus K. Schuler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Eichler
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.T.); (U.K.); Tel.: +49-(621)-6810-2944 (B.T.); +49-(621)-6810-2328 (U.K.)
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Drabbe C, Grünhagen DJ, Van Houdt WJ, Braam PM, Soomers VLMN, Van der Hage JA, De Haan JJ, Keymeulen KBMI, Husson O, Van der Graaf WTA. Diagnosed with a Rare Cancer: Experiences of Adult Sarcoma Survivors with the Healthcare System-Results from the SURVSARC Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040679. [PMID: 33567553 PMCID: PMC7914609 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with rare cancers face obstacles including delays in diagnosis, inadequate treatments and limited scientific evidence to guide decision making. These obstacles may have a unique impact on their experience with the healthcare system and might be different at various ages. Some aspects of care that shape the experience with the healthcare system include information needs, satisfaction with care and supportive care. Very little is known about these aspects of care, specifically for rare cancer patients. Sarcomas are prime examples of rare cancers and are diagnosed at all ages. In this study, we explored the experience of sarcoma patients (N = 1099) with the healthcare system and looked into detail at whether differences in experience existed between age groups. The results of this nationwide study showed that healthcare experiences differ per age group and we identified needs related to the rarity of these tumors, such as improvements concerning (non-)medical guidance and diagnostic intervals. Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the experience of rare cancer patients with the healthcare system and examine differences between age groups (adolescents and young adults (AYA, 18–39 years), older adults (OA, 40–69 years) and elderly (≥70 years)). Dutch sarcoma patients, 2–10 years after diagnosis, completed a questionnaire on their experience with the healthcare system, satisfaction with care, information needs, patient and diagnostic intervals (first symptom to first doctor’s visit and first doctor’s visit to diagnosis, respectively) and received supportive care. In total, 1099 patients completed the questionnaire (response rate 58%): 186 AYAs, 748 OAs and 165 elderly. Many survivors experienced insufficient medical and non-medical guidance (32% and 38%), although satisfaction with care was rated good to excellent by 94%. Both patient and diagnostic intervals were >1 month for over half of the participants and information needs were largely met (97%). AYAs had the longest patient and diagnostic intervals, experienced the greatest lack of (non-)medical guidance, had more desire for patient support groups and used supportive care most often. This nationwide study among sarcoma survivors showed that healthcare experiences differ per age group and identified needs related to the rarity of these tumors, such as improvements concerning (non-)medical guidance and diagnostic intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cas Drabbe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.D.); (W.T.A.V.d.G.)
- Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J. Grünhagen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Winan J. Van Houdt
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Pètra M. Braam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Vicky L. M. N. Soomers
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Jos A. Van der Hage
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jacco J. De Haan
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Kristien B. M. I. Keymeulen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Olga Husson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.D.); (W.T.A.V.d.G.)
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Winette T. A. Van der Graaf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.D.); (W.T.A.V.d.G.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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