In:
Journal of Oncology Practice, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2016-01), p. 65-66
Abstract:
QUESTION ASKED: The objective of this study is to evaluate the frequency of tumor marker use in patients with advanced solid tumors. SUMMARY ANSWER: Over a 1-year period, the mean number of any individual test per patient was seven tests, and the maximum number was 35 tests; the mean number of total tests per patient was 12 tests, and the maximum number was 70 tests. In a 1-year time frame, 16.3% of patients had more than 12 individual tests, and 34.3% had more than one individual test in a 1-month span. METHODS: For each patient with a diagnosis of advanced solid tumor who had outpatient visits between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014, at Columbia University Medical Center, we recorded the dates of the following tumor marker tests: α-fetoprotein, CA-125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CA 27-29, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). BIAS, CONFOUNDING FACTOR(S), DRAWBACKS: This was a 1-year evaluation of tumor marker use at a single institution. As a result, our findings may be skewed by the practice patterns of a few individual providers. Our cancer center is an urban academic tertiary care center; as a result, our experience may not be applicable to the general population. REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS: We found a high rate of serum tumor marker testing overuse in patients with advanced solid tumors. There is currently a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of frequent tumor marker testing, and additional studies are needed to inform practice. Interventions to reduce overuse could help reduce the financial burden of cancer care. Future research should define the minimal frequency of testing. In the meantime, efforts should be made to limit use of tumor marker testing in patients with advanced solid tumors. [Figure: see text]
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1554-7477
,
1935-469X
DOI:
10.1200/JOP.2015.005660
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Publication Date:
2016
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3005549-0
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2236338-5
Bookmarklink