Follow-Up After Curative Resection of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Intensive follow-up after curative resection of colorectal cancer improved overall survival and reresection rate for recurrent disease. However, the cancer-related mortality was not improved and the survival benefit was not related to earlier detection and treatment of recurrent disease.

Patient–Clinician Information Engagement Improves Adherence to Colorectal Cancer Surveillance after Curative Treatment: Results from a Longitudinal Study

“…Despite existing evidence of the long-term survival benefits of routine cancer surveillance among CRC patients after curative treatment [4,5], this study found that only about two in five patients reported receiving the minimum level of recommended surveillance, including physical examinations, CEA testing, and colonoscopy ϳ2 years after diagnosis. The low prevalence of cancer surveillance in this study corroborated findings reported in earlier studies.…”

“…Cancer surveillance is aimed at detecting recurrences of the cancer amenable to further curative treatment, screening for new tumors or polyps, and detecting metastatic sites before patients present with symptoms. Two meta-analyses reported that conducting post-treatment surveillance through procedures including serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing, endos-copy, physical examination, and computed tomography (CT) imaging was associated with the beneficial outcomes of a lower overall mortality rate, earlier detection of recurrences, and better chances of curative re-resection [4,5]. However, a substantial proportion of CRC patients do not undergo routine cancer surveillance following curative surgery [6 -11].…”

Patient experiences of nurse-led telephone follow-up following treatment for colorectal cancer

“…The reported purpose of follow-up after colorectal surgery is primarily to improve patient survival by early diagnosis of recurrence as well as resolving surgery related problems and providing psycho-social support (Li Destri et al, 2006). More intensive follow-up has been associated with improved five year survival (Jeffery et al, 2007;Tjandra & Chan, 2007). However, the most recent UK guidelines indicate that there is no consistent definition of what constitutes 'intensive' follow-up for colorectal cancer patients; no specific protocol for intensive follow up can therefore be recommended at present (NICE, 2011).…”

Living With and Beyond Cancer: New Challenges

“…Several studies are currently underway exploring different follow-up methods. What is clear, particularly in the case of colorectal cancer, is that more intense follow-up in the first two years does improve survival, as evidenced by five out of six recent systematic reviews (Figueredo et al, 2003;Richard & Mcleod, 1997;Rosen et al, 1998, Tjandra & Chan, 2007. However, what is not clear is which aspects of follow-up are associated with this.…”