Guideline adherence for early breast cancer treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Schaapveld M, de Vries E G E, Otter R, de Vries J, Dolsma W V, Willemse P H B
Primary Institution: Comprehensive Cancer Center North-Netherlands
Hypothesis
This study aimed to analyze variations in surgical treatment and guideline compliance for early breast cancer before and after the introduction of sentinel node biopsy.
Conclusion
The study found significant variations in treatment adherence to guidelines for breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy, particularly among elderly patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 41.2% of patients received breast-conserving surgery (BCS).
- Guideline adherence for BCS fell from 96.1% before 2000 to 91.4% in 2002.
- 25.2% of patients aged 75 years or older did not receive appropriate treatment.
- Inter-hospital variation in BCS rates persisted after adjusting for case-mix.
Takeaway
Doctors sometimes treat breast cancer differently depending on where you go, and older patients might not get the same treatments as younger ones.
Methodology
This population-based study analyzed treatment patterns for early stage breast cancer in the Netherlands from 1989 to 2002, focusing on surgical treatment and guideline compliance.
Potential Biases
There may be biases related to hospital practices and surgeon preferences influencing treatment variations.
Limitations
The study may not fully account for all patient preferences and comorbidities affecting treatment decisions.
Participant Demographics
The study included stage I–IIIA breast cancer patients diagnosed between 1989 and 2002, with a focus on age and treatment type.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.08–1.22
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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