Guidelines Improve Survival in Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Author Information
Author(s): de Roos M A J, de Bock G H, Baas P C, de Munck L, Wiggers T, de Vries J
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen
Hypothesis
Does compliance with clinical guidelines improve local recurrence-free survival in patients treated for ductal carcinoma in situ?
Conclusion
Following clinical guidelines leads to better local recurrence-free survival in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients treated according to guidelines had a 5-year local recurrence-free survival of 91%.
- Patients treated inappropriately had a 5-year local recurrence-free survival of 73%.
- Positive margins were associated with a higher risk of local recurrence.
Takeaway
If doctors follow the rules for treating a specific type of breast cancer, patients are less likely to have problems later.
Methodology
The study reviewed clinical and pathological parameters of 251 patients treated for ductal carcinoma in situ from 1992 to 2003, assessing guideline compliance and outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and reliance on medical records.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent the entire population due to missing data on tumor size and margin status.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 57 years, with a range from 32 to 85 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.696–13.531
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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