Tom Oliver

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of women with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer: a systematic review with metaanalyses.

Because women with advanced ovarian cancer have poor outcomes, it is imperative to continue exploring for novel therapies. The opportunity for intraperitoneal treatment, especially in the subgroup of patients with minimal residual disease, in which the intraperitoneal approach may have a biologic rationale for benefit over and above the standard intravenous route, needs to be explored to the fullest extent. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to January 2006 for randomized trials that compared first‐line intraperitoneal‐containing chemotherapy with first‐line intravenous chemotherapy in the treatment of women with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer. Seven randomized, controlled trials were identified, including 3 large Phase III trials and 4 smaller randomized trials. The 3 large Phase III trials detected statistically significant overall survival benefits with intraperitoneal cisplatin‐containing chemotherapy compared with intravenous chemotherapy alone. The improvements in survival were 8 months, 11 months, and 16 months, respectively. Pooled analysis from 6 of the 7 randomized trials confirmed the survival effect with intraperitoneal chemotherapy compared with intravenous chemotherapy alone (relative risk, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.95). Severe adverse events and catheter‐related complications with intraperitoneal chemotherapy were significantly more common and often were dose‐limiting. The results from this review indicated that cisplatin‐containing intraperitoneal chemotherapy should be offered to patients on the basis of significant improvements in overall survival. The appropriate clinical and institutional multidisciplinary facilities are needed for the safe delivery of this treatment in optimally debulked patients. Further research is needed concerning specific aspects of the treatment, such as optimal agent, dose, and scheduling. Cancer 2007;109:692–702.

Models of care for post-treatment follow-up of adult cancer survivors: a systematic review and quality appraisal of the evidence

PurposeThe impact of cancer and cancer treatment on the long-term health and quality of life of survivors is substantial, leading to questions about the most appropriate configuration of services and models of care for follow-up of post-primary treatment survivors.MethodsA systematic review and quality appraisal of the health literature for structure of services and models of follow-up care for post-treatment survivors was identified through a search of guideline sources and empirical databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and EBSCO from 1999 through December 2009.ResultsTen practice guidelines and nine randomized controlled trials comprised the evidence base for models of care for adult cancer survivors. Although the evidence base was rated as low quality, nurse-led and primary care physician models of follow-up care were equivalent for detecting recurrence. Consensus also suggests that cancer survivors may benefit from coordinated transition planning that includes the provision of survivorship care plans as part of standard care.ConclusionsRealignment of models of care is identified as a health system priority to meet the supportive care and surveillance needs of a burgeoning survivor population. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of models of care in a broader population of cancer survivors with differing needs and risks. While the evidence is limited, there is research that may be used to guide the configuration of health care services and planning.

Self-Collected Samples for Testing of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND To investigate the role of self-sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as an alternative to cervical cancer screening by clinicians (i.e., Papanicolaou [Pap] test). METHODS A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and other sources for evidence related to the efficacy and feasibility of HPV DNA self-collection. RESULTS A total of 25 studies were identified. In 22 comparisons across 19 studies, the concordance between samples collected by patients and those obtained by clinicians was reasonably high in the majority of cases. Women in many countries across wide age ranges were successful in collecting samples for HPV DNA testing. In four studies, the quality of the cytology from patient samples was as good as clinician samples, with more than 95% of samples yielding HPV DNA results. The studies that examined acceptability found that women were generally very positive about collecting their own samples, although some concerns were noted. No study evaluated the effect of HPV DNA self-sampling on screening participation rates, early detection, survival, or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Self-sampling for HPV DNA testing is a viable screening option, but there is insufficient evidence to conclude that self-sampling for HPV DNA testing is an alternative to the Pap test. Although HPV DNA testing using self-collected samples holds promise for use in under-resourced areas or for women who are reluctant to participate in Pap testing programs, the evidence supporting it is limited. Further definitive research is needed to provide a solid evidence base to inform the use of self-sampling for HPV DNA testing for the purpose of increasing screening rates, especially in women who are never or seldom screened.

Follow-up for women after treatment for cervical cancer: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE To determine the optimal recommended program for the follow-up of patients who are disease free after completed primary therapy for cervical cancer. METHODS Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases (1980-November 2007). RESULTS Seventeen retrospective trials were identified. Most studies reported similar intervals for follow-up and ranged from a low of 9 visits to a high of 28 visits over 5 years. Follow-up visits typically occurred once every 3-4 months for the first 2 years, every 6 months for the next 3 years and then annually until year 10. All 17 trials reported that a physical exam was performed at each visit. Vaginal vault cytology was analyzed in 13 trials. Other routine surveillance tests included chest x-ray, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, intravenous pyelography and tumour markers. Median time to recurrence ranged from 7-36 months after primary treatment. Rates of recurrence ranged from 8-26% with 14-57% of patients recurring in the pelvis, and 15-61% of patients recurring at distant or multiple sites. Of the 8-26% of patients who experienced disease recurrence, the vast majority, 89-99%, had recurred by year 5. Upon recurrence, median survival was 7-17 months. Asymptomatic recurrent disease was detected using physical exam in 29-71%, chest x-ray in 20-47%, CT in 0-34% and vaginal vault cytology in 0-17% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION There is modest low quality evidence to inform the most appropriate follow-up strategy for patients with cervical cancer who are clinically disease free after receiving primary treatment. Follow-up visits should include a complete physical examination whereas, frequent vaginal vault cytology does not add significantly to the detection of early disease recurrence. Patients should return to annual population-based screening after 5 years of recurrence-free follow-up.

Postoperative chemoradiotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

This systematic review evaluates the use of postoperative chemoradiotherapy for patients with advanced (stage III or IV) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck at a high risk of recurrence.

Regional collaborations as a tool for quality improvements in surgery: a systematic review of the literature

Background:A systematic review of the literature identifying regional collaborations in surgical practice examining practices related to quality improvement. Methods:The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, were searched for published reports of regional collaborations in the surgical community relating to initiatives to enhance quality improvement, quality of care, patient safety, knowledge transfer, or communities of practice. Results:Seven collaborative initiatives met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review of the evidence. Motivations for initiating collaborations were often in response to external demands for performance data. Changes in the processes of clinical care and improvements in clinical outcomes were reported on the basis of the collaborative efforts. Significant improvements in clinical outcomes such as decreases in mortality rates, lower duration of postoperative intubations, and fewer surgical-site infections were reported. Quality improvement process measures were also reported to be improved across all of the collaborative initiatives. Success factors included (a) the establishment of trust among health professionals and health institutions; (b) the availability of accurate, complete, relevant data; (c) clinical leadership; (d) institutional commitment; and (e) the infrastructure and methodological support for quality management. Conclusions:A community of practice framework incorporating the success elements described in the systematic review of the literature can be used as a valuable model for collaboration amongst surgeons and healthcare organizations to improve quality of care and foster continuing professional development.

Chemotherapy for recurrent, metastatic, or persistent cervical cancer: a systematic review

To determine the front-line chemotherapeutic options for women with recurrent, metastatic, or persistent cervical cancer. The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing chemotherapy regimens for patients with recurrent, metastatic, or persistent cervical cancer. Studies were included if response rate, survival, toxicity, or quality of life data were reported. Fifteen RCTs were identified. The proportion of patients with prior chemoradiotherapy ranged from 0% to 57%. Four of the 15 RCTs detected significant improvements in overall response with combination cisplatin-based chemotherapy when compared with single-agent cisplatin. One of the 15 RCTs reported a significant median survival advantage with topotecan and cisplatin when compared with single-agent cisplatin (9.4 vs 6.5 months, P= 0.017); 57% of patients in this trial had previous chemoradiotherapy. Significant increases in grade 3 and 4 adverse events, especially severe hematologic toxicities, were detected among patients treated with that combination of chemotherapy. Thus, we conclude that cisplatin and topotecan should be discussed as a reasonable treatment option for appropriate patients who may wish to maximize the response and survival benefits associated with combination chemotherapy. Patients should understand that prior chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin may moderate the benefits observed, and that the relative benefits in response and survival outcomes come at the expense of increased toxicity. The improvement in median survival of 2.9 months represents a novel survival benefit in this difficult-to-treat patient population. Further randomized trials are needed to inform the role of single-agent or combination chemotherapy regimens, particularly in patients with prior chemoradiotherapy.

Inventory of Cancer Guidelines: a tool to advance the guideline enterprise and improve the uptake of evidence

The Inventory of Cancer Guidelines (ICG) was designed to mitigate challenges associated with inconsistencies in the quality of cancer guidelines, keeping guidelines current and the duplication of effort in guideline development. The ICG is a searchable database of quality-appraised guidelines in cancer control that also includes designations of guidelines in progress, those in need of an update and those currently being updated. From a clinical perspective, the majority of the completed guidelines target breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancers, and focus on the treatment stage of the cancer continuum. There is considerable variability in guideline quality both within and across guideline developers, as measured by the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II. Quality domains of applicability and editorial independence are the guideline quality domains that score the poorest. While the ability to inform on the status of cancer control guidelines is important, the real potential of the ICG is in its ability to leverage positive change in the guideline enterprise. Pilot projects are underway to use data from the ICG to tailor audit and feedback interventions for guideline developers and to pursue collaborative updating and guideline adaptation initiatives, using the ICG as the platform from which these partnerships can evolve.

The optimum organization for the delivery of colposcopy service in Ontario: a systematic review.

Objective: To determine the optimum organization for colposcopy service delivery in Ontario, Canada. Methods: A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to develop a systematic review to inform organizational guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, HealthSTAR, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from 1996 to February 2006 for articles that reported guidance or outcomes relating to improved outcomes in colposcopy training, qualifications, accreditation, maintenance of competency, the delivery of colposcopy, reducing default from colposcopy clinics, and/or strategies to improve patient satisfaction or comfort. In addition, an environmental scan identified unpublished documents related to the delivery of colposcopy services. Results: Sixteen guidance documents related to the delivery of colposcopy services were identified; 5 from the published literature and 11 from the environmental scan. These documents were used by the panel to inform the systematic review and companion guidelines. Conclusions: Overall, the Ontario Colposcopy Guidelines Development Group believes that the benefits associated with the implementation of colposcopy recommendations in Ontario will result in greater organization of care and improved patient outcomes. In addition, the group anticipates that these recommendations will provide useful guidance to regional planning authorities, hospital administrators, and Cancer Care Ontario, as well as colposcopists and other practitioners, in the planning of integrated regional and provincial cancer screening services.

Endometrial Carcinoma Surveillance Counterpoint: Canada

In Canada, approximately 4,400 women are diagnosed with endometrial cancer each year and approximately 800 die from the disease [1]. The majority of patients present with early-stage disease and this is reflected in an overall 5-year survival rate of approximately 85 % [1]. Five-year survival rates range from approximately 96 % for patients with local disease, 66 % for those with regional disease, and 25 % for those with more advanced disease [2]. Factors predictive of recurrence and survival include lymph node status, histological type, histological grade, stage of disease, depth of myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space involvement, and cervical involvement [3].