Improving outcome for patients with pancreatic cancer through centralization.

Background: High-volume institutions are associated with improved clinical outcomes for pancreatic cancer. This study investigated the impact of centralizing pancreatic cancer surgery in the south of the Netherlands.

Methods: All patients diagnosed in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry area in 1995-2000 (precentralization) and 2005-2008 (implementation of centralization agreements) with primary cancer of the pancreatic head, extrahepatic bile ducts, ampulla of Vater or duodenum were included.

Economic evaluation of four follow-up strategies after curative treatment for breast cancer: results of an RCT.

Background: An economic evaluation was performed alongside a randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN 74071417) investigating the cost-effectiveness of nurse-led telephone follow-up instead of hospital visits, and of a short educational group programme (EGP) in the first year after breast cancer treatment.

Method: This economic evaluation (n = 299) compared the one-year costs and the effects of four follow-up strategies: (1) hospital follow-up; (2) nurse-led telephone follow-up; (3) hospital follow-up plus EGP; and (4) nurse-led telephone follow-up plus EGP. Costs were measured using cost diaries and hospital registrations.

Nurse-led telephone follow-up and an educational group programme after breast cancer treatment: results of a 2 × 2 randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate whether frequent hospital follow-up in the first year after breast cancer treatment might partly be replaced by nurse-led telephone follow-up without deteriorating health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and whether a short educational group programme (EGP) would enhance HRQoL.

Patients And Methods: A multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a 2×2 factorial design was performed among 320 breast cancer patients who were treated with curative intent. Participants were randomised to follow-up care as usual (3-monthly outpatient clinic visits), nurse-led telephone follow-up, or the former strategies combined with an educational group programme.

Trends in incidence, treatment and survival of gastric adenocarcinoma between 1990 and 2007: a population-based study in the Netherlands.

Background: Survival of gastric cancer in the Western world remains poor. We conducted a retrospective population-based study to evaluate trends in incidence, treatment and outcome of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods: All patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma during 1990-2007 in the Dutch Eindhoven Cancer Registry area were included (n=4,797).

[Effect of gastric banding on pharmacotherapy: not much known].

Following placement of gastric banding, the time that medication remains in the proximal part of the stomach may increase variably. This can lead to problems with oral administration of enteric coated or controlled-release preparations. Problems can be avoided by changing over to another form ofa dministration or sometimes by changing to another active compound.