Study Indicates Improved Survival in CRC Despite Lower Surgery Rates

To evaluate the secular patterns of primary tumor resection use in stage 4 colorectal cancer (CRC) in the United States, the authors conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results CRC registry. Demographic and clinical factors were compared for 64,157 patients diagnosed with stage 4 colon or rectal cancer from January 1, 1988, through December 31, 2010, who had undergone primary tumor resection and those who had not. Rates of primary tumor resection and median relative survival were calculated for each year. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to determine when a significant change in trend in the primary tumor resection rate had occurred. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with primary tumor resection.

Despite the decreasing primary tumor resection rate, patient survival rates improved. However, primary tumor resection may still be overused, and current treatment practices lag behind evidence-based treatment guidelines."

Based on their analysis, the authors conclude, "

Link to the paper on JAMA Surgery: http://bit.ly/1AfHnqN