Chemotherapy use and patient treatment preferences in advanced colorectal cancer: a prospective cohort study.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine how patient preferences guide the course of palliative chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer.

Methods: Eligible patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) were enrolled nationwide in a prospective, population-based cohort study. Data were obtained through medical record abstraction and patient surveys.

Early dissemination of bevacizumab for advanced colorectal cancer: a prospective cohort study.

Background: We describe early dissemination patterns for first-line bevacizumab given for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment.

Methods: We analyzed patient surveys and medical records for a population-based cohort with metastatic colorectal cancer treated in multiple regions and health systems in the United States (US). Eligible patients were diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer and initiated first-line chemotherapy after US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) bevacizumab approval in February 2004.

Comorbidity, age, race and stage at diagnosis in colorectal cancer: a retrospective, parallel analysis of two health systems.

Background: Stage at diagnosis plays a significant role in colorectal cancer (CRC) survival. Understanding which factors contribute to a more advanced stage at diagnosis is vital to improving overall survival. Comorbidity, race, and age are known to impact receipt of cancer therapy and survival, but the relationship of these factors to stage at diagnosis of CRC is less clear.

Assessment of the scope and quality of clinical practice guidelines in lung cancer.

Study Objectives: To provide an evidence-based background for developing the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) lung cancer guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was performed to identify published lung cancer guidelines and evaluate their quality.

Design, Setting, And Participants: A systematic search was performed for relevant literature from MEDLINE, Cancerlit, CINAHL, HealthStar, the Cochrane Library, and the National Guidelines Clearinghouse published from January 1989 to July 2001.

Measurement And Results: From 369 citations, 51 relevant guidelines were identified.

Does subsidizing rural community health centers hurt private practice physicians?

One reason for the shortage of primary care physicians in rural areas may be these physicians' reluctance to compete for patients with federally subsidized Community Health Centers (CHCs). Yet little is known about the relationship between private practice physicians and physicians in federally subsidized practices who share service areas. We used surveys from a two-state subset of a nationally representative sample to compare practice characteristics of three types of physicians: those who work in CHCs; those in private practice within CHC service areas; and private practice physicians in other rural areas.

One state's response to the malpractice insurance crisis: North Carolina's Rural Obstetrical Care Incentive Program.

In the period 1985-89, there was a severe drop in obstetrical services in rural areas of North Carolina, partly because of rising malpractice insurance rates. The State government responded with the Rural Obstetrical Care Incentive (ROCI) Program that provides a malpractice insurance subsidy of up to $6,500 per participating physician per year. Enacted into law in 1988, the ROCI Program was expanded in 1991, making certified nurse midwives eligible to receive subsidies of up to $3,000 per year.