High Caseload Volume Improves Survival in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Ching-Chih, Huang Tze-Ta, Lee Moon-Sing, Su Yu-Chieh, Chou Pesus, Hsiao Shih-Hsuan, Chiou Wen-Yen, Lin Hon-Yi, Chien Sou-Hsin, Hung Shih-Kai
Primary Institution: Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between physician caseload and survival rates in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment?
Conclusion
Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated by high-volume physicians have better 10-year survival rates.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients treated by high-volume physicians had a 10-year survival rate of 75%.
- Patients treated by low/medium-volume physicians had a 10-year survival rate of 61%.
- The study used a large population-based dataset from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.
Takeaway
If a doctor treats more patients with nasopharyngeal cancer, their patients are more likely to live longer.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 1225 patients using survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards model, and propensity score.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the referral of healthier patients to high-volume physicians.
Limitations
The study could not assess the relationship of caseload to NPC stage due to lack of data.
Participant Demographics
Majority of patients were male (72%); included patients treated between 1998 and 2000.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.45-0.78
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website