Long-term quality of life and aesthetic outcomes after breast conserving surgery in patients with breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Breast surgery has become less invasive without compromising survival and aimed at improving quality of life (QoL) in terms of satisfaction with cosmesis. Despite that, short-term patient-perceived aesthetic results after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) can still be displeasing. Long-term analysis regarding contentment with cosmesis are lacking and could be different, considering that over time, patients' priorities might change and a different thought-out judgment could be given. The goal of this study is to describe long-term results in QoL after BCS and to identify possible predictors for disappointing aesthetic results. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, the long-term outcomes of QoL, patient-reported outcome measurements and aesthetic outcomes were investigated 4.5-10.8 years after BCS. In total, 104 patients received standardized questionnaires from the European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer. The aesthetic results after BCS were evaluated subjectively through a diverse panel of healthcare observers. Objective assessment of the aesthetic results was done using the BCCT.core system of evaluating standardised breast photographs. Factors influencing aesthetic outcome were statistically analysed. RESULTS: QoL was high in around 75% of the patients. Correlation between QoL and aesthetic outcomes was found according to Spearman's correlation (r = 0.262, p = 0.007). Significant factors negatively influencing patient reported aesthetic outcomes were sentinel node procedure (p = 0.016), axillary lymph node dissection (p = 0.004), chemotherapy (p = 0.001), and hormonal therapy (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The majority of the patients have acceptable QoL after BCS during long-term follow-up. Unacceptable aesthetic outcomes after BCS are associated with lower QoL and are influenced by sentinel node procedure, axillary lymph node dissection, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy.

Effectiveness of a Tailored Work-Related Support Intervention for Patients Diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose The aim of this research was to study the effectiveness on return to work (RTW) of an early tailored work-related support intervention in patients diagnosed with curative gastrointestinal cancer. Methods A multicenter randomized controlled trial was undertaken, in which patients were assigned randomly to the intervention or the control group (usual care). The intervention encompassed three psychosocial work-related support meetings, starting before treatment. Five self-reported questionnaires were sent over twelve months of follow-up. Primary outcome was days until RTW (fulltime or partial) and secondary outcomes included work status, quality of life, work ability, and work limitations. Descriptive analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, relative risk ratio and linear mixed models were applied. Results Participants (N = 88) had a mean age of 55 years; 67% were male and the most common cancer type was colon cancer (66%). Of the participants, 42 were randomized to the intervention group. The median time from sick leave until RTW was 233 days (range 187-279 days) for the control group, versus 190 days (range 139-240 days) for the intervention group (log-rank p = 0.37). The RTW rate at twelve months after baseline was 83.3% for the intervention group and 73.5% for the control group. Work limitations did statistically differ between the groups over time (p = 0.01), but quality of life and work ability did not. Conclusion Patients in the intervention group seem to take fewer days to RTW, albeit not to a statistically significant extent.Trial registration Trial NL4920 (NTR5022) (Dutch Trial Register https://www.trialregister.nl ).

Effectiveness of physiotherapy with telerehabilitation in surgical patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Over the last few years, telerehabilitation services have developed rapidly, and patients value benefits such as reduced travelling barriers, flexible exercise hours, and the possibility to better integrate skills into daily life. However, the effects of physiotherapy with telerehabilitation on postoperative functional outcomes compared with usual care in surgical populations are still inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: To study the effectiveness of physiotherapy with telerehabilitation on postoperative functional outcomes and quality of life in surgical patients. DATA SOURCES: Relevant studies were obtained from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, PEDro, Google Scholar and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, quasi-randomised studies and quasi-experimental studies with comparative controls were included with no restrictions in terms of language or date of publication. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Twenty-three records were included for qualitative synthesis. Seven studies were eligible for quantitative synthesis on quality of life, and the overall pooled standardised mean difference was 1.01 (95% confidence interval 0.18 to 1.84), indicating an increase in favour of telerehabilitation in surgical patients. LIMITATIONS: The variety in contents of intervention and outcome measures restricted the performance of a meta-analysis on all clinical outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy with telerehabilitation has the potential to increase quality of life, is feasible, and is at least equally effective as usual care in surgical populations. This may be sufficient reason to choose physiotherapy with telerehabilitation for surgical populations, although the overall effectiveness on physical outcomes remains unclear. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42015017744.

Organizing and implementing a multidisciplinary fast track oncology clinic.

QUALITY PROBLEM: Patients with gastrointestinal malignancies often need multiple appointments with different medical specialists, causing waiting times to accrue. INITIAL ASSESSMENT: In our hospital, care is organized in a sequential manner, causing long waiting times. To reduce this, a fast track outpatient clinic (FTC) was implemented. CHOICE OF SOLUTION: The FTC was organized within the hospital's existing structure. Patient centered care was achieved by ensuring that the medical specialists visit the patient, implementing nurse coordinators and considering patient wishes and co-morbidities when formulating a treatment plan. IMPLEMENTATION: A mandate from the board (Top-down), ensured cooperation between different medical departments and a change in resource allocation (i.e. medical staff); a horizontal clinic across a vertical departmental structure. Brainstorm sessions between the departments led by two physicians who were going to work at the FTC (Bottom-up), assured a swift implementation of the FTC. EVALUATION: Since implementation in 2009, patient influx has tripled. Waiting time for an appointment and start of treatment was reduced from 2-4 weeks to 6 working days and from 12-14 weeks to 17 working days, respectively. This was achieved by re-allocating recourses, but without increasing existing resources. LESSONS LEARNED: The combination of a top-down and bottom-up strategy ensured participation from all involved departments, a strong foundation and a shared vision on patient centered care. The FTC facilitates sharing information between different medical specialists through both proximity and a shared electronic patient record. The implementation of the FTC comprises a change in organization, but not a change in structure.

Preoperative functional status is not associated with postoperative surgical complications in low risk patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Preoperative functional status is a risk factor for developing postoperative complications (POC) in major abdominal and thoracic surgery, but this has hardly been evaluated in esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to determine if preoperative functional status in esophageal cancer patients is associated with POC. From March 2012 to October 2014, esophageal cancer patients scheduled for esophagectomy at the outpatient clinic of a large tertiary referral center were eligible for the study. We measured inspiratory muscle strength, hand grip strength, physical activities, and health related quality of life as indicators of functional status one day before surgery. POC were scored according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification. We used univariate and multivariate backward regression analysis to determine the association between functional status and POC. We included 94 patients in the study and esophagectomy was performed in 90 patients from which 55 developed POC (61.1%). After multivariate analysis, none of the indicators of preoperative functional status were independently associated with POC (inspiratory muscle strength [OR 1.00; P = 0.779], hand grip strength [OR 0.99; P = 0.250], physical activities [OR 1.00; P = 0.174], and health related quality of life [OR 1.02; P = 0.222]). We concluded that preoperative functional status in our study cohort is not associated with POC after esophagectomy.

Waiting time at a fast-track diagnostic clinic.

Purpose - Guidelines stating maximum waiting times fail to take cancer patients' expectations into account. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess patients' expectations and experiences with their waiting time at a fast-track clinic. Design/methodology/approach - Patients were selected using a purposeful sampling strategy and were interviewed four times: before the visit; one day after; two weeks after the visit; and one week after starting treatment. Interviews were audiotaped and independently coded by two researchers. Findings - All patients (n=9) preferred a short waiting time before the first visit; they feared that their disease would spread and believed that cancer warrants priority treatment. Six patients experienced the waiting time as short, one had no expectations and two felt they waited longer than expected; three patients changed this evaluation during the study. Six patients received treatment - four preferred to wait before treatment and two wanted to start treatment immediately. Reasons to wait included putting one's affairs in order, or needing to adjust to the diagnosis. Practical implications - Cancer patients prefer a short waiting time before the first visit but have different expectations and needs regarding waiting time before treatment. Ideally, their expectations are managed by their treating physician to match waiting time reality. Originality/value - This is the first study to assess cancer patients' waiting time experiences and how these experiences change over time. This study paves the way for establishing a framework to better assess patient satisfaction with oncology care waiting time. An important aspect, is managing patients' expectations.

How can communication by oncologists enhance patients' trust? An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients need to trust their oncologist to embark in the process of oncologic treatment. Yet, it is unclear how oncologist communication contributes to such trust. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three elements of oncologists' communication on cancer patients' trust: conferring competence, honesty, and caring. METHODS: Eight videotaped consultations, 'vignettes', were created, reflecting an encounter between an oncologist and a patient with colorectal cancer. All vignettes were identical, except for small variations in the oncologist's verbal communication. Cancer patients (n = 345) were randomly assigned to viewing two vignettes, asked to identify with the patient and afterwards to rate their trust in the observed oncologist. The effects of competence, honesty, and caring on trust were established with multilevel analysis. RESULTS: Oncologist's enhanced expression of competence (ß = 0.17, 95% CI 0.08, 0.27; P < 0.001), honesty (ß = 0.30, 95% CI 0.20, 0.40; P < 0.001), as well as caring (ß = 0.36, 95% CI 0.26, 0.46; P < 0.001) resulted in significantly increased trust. Communication of honesty and caring also increased patients' expectation of operation success and reported willingness to recommend the oncologist. CONCLUSION(S): As hypothesized, oncologists can influence their patients' trust by enhanced conveyance of their level of competence, honesty, and caring. Caring behavior has the strongest impact on trust. These findings can be translated directly into daily clinical practice as well as in communication skills training.

Is the sentinel lymph node pathology protocol in breast cancer patients associated with the risk of regional recurrence?

BACKGROUND: Internationally, there is no consensus on the pathology protocol to be used to examine the sentinel lymph node (SN) in breast cancer patients. Previously, we reported that ultra-staging led to more axillary lymph node dissections (ALND). The question was, whether ultra-staging is effective in reducing the risk of regional relapse. METHODS: From January 2002 to July 2003, 541 patients from 4 hospitals were prospectively registered when they underwent a SN biopsy. In hospitals A, B, and C, 3 levels of the SN were examined pathologically, whereas in hospital D at least 7 additional levels were examined. Patients with a positive SN, including isolated tumor cells, underwent an ALND. This analysis focuses on the 341 patients with a negative SN. Primary endpoint was 5-year regional recurrence rate. RESULTS: In hospital D 34% of the patients had a negative SN as compared to 71% in hospitals A, B, and C combined (p < 0.001). At 5 years follow-up, 9 (2.6%) patients had developed a regional lymph node relapse. In hospital D none of the patients had a regional recurrence, as compared to 9 (2.9%) cases of recurrence in hospitals A, B, and C. CONCLUSION: The less intensified SN pathology protocol appeared to be associated with a slightly increased risk of regional recurrence. The absolute risk was still less than 3%, and does not seem to justify the intensified SN pathology protocol of hospital D.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagectomy does not increase morbidity in patients over 70.

Esophagectomy in elderly esophageal carcinoma patients is correlated with a high morbidity and even mortality. Studies on neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NT) in elderly patients are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of advanced age in combination with NT in esophageal carcinoma patients who underwent an esophagectomy. Patients who underwent NT prior to esophagectomy between 1993 and 2010 were divided into three groups: <70, 70-74, and ≥75 years. Toxicity of NT and postoperative morbidity were compared between groups. Primary endpoints were toxicity, complication rate, and survival. Two hundred thirteen patients underwent NT during the study period, 26 were aged 70-74 years, and 17 were ≥70 years. Toxicity of NT was comparable for younger and elderly patients (46% vs. 54% vs. 47%, P = 0.263). Overall complications occurred in 62% of younger patients versus 73% and 71% among patients aged 70-74 years and ≥75 years, respectively (P = 0.836). Cardiac complications occurred in 14% of younger patients versus 27% and 41% of elderly patients (P = 0.021). Three-year survival rates were 59% versus 44% versus 31% among patients aged <70, 70-74, and ≥75 years, respectively (P = 0.237). Higher age (odds ratio 1.750, P < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for development of cardiac complications. Toxicity of NT and postoperative complications are comparable for patients aged <70, 70-74, and ≥75 years, with the exception of cardiac complications. Therefore, we consider NT followed by esophagectomy in elderly patients a safe treatment modality in our center.

Patient preferences in screening for recurrent disease after potentially curative esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Routine imaging (RI) as part of follow-up after potentially curative esophagectomy is currently not widely accepted. If detected recurrent disease could be adequately treated, it remains unclear whether patients would want to take part in a screening program. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which patients who underwent esophagectomy prefer follow-up with or without RI. METHODS: Patients who underwent esophagectomy for carcinoma without evidence of recurrent disease were included. An interview-administered questionnaire was used to assess fear of recurrence and elicit patient preferences for the frequency and duration of follow-up and hypothetical changes of survival chances (1-10%). RESULTS: 45/54 eligible patients (83%) participated in this study. The majority of patients preferred follow-up with RI (67%) even if screening would not provide a survival benefit; this proportion increased up to 93% if the proposed chances of survival improved. Younger patients and patients with a lower histopathological tumor stage were more likely to desire follow-up with RI. CONCLUSION: Most patients who underwent esophagectomy preferred RI as part of follow-up over outpatient clinic visits only, even if such screening would not provide a survival benefit. Further research is needed to determine the most accurate screening modality and most efficient follow-up interval.

A high body mass index in esophageal cancer patients does not influence postoperative outcome or long-term survival.

BACKGROUND: The body mass index (BMI) in the general population has increased over the past decades. A high BMI is a known risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Several studies on the influence of a high BMI on the postoperative course and survival after esophagectomy have shown contradictory results. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of a high BMI on postoperative complications and survival among a large cohort of esophageal cancer patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent an esophagectomy between 1993 and 2010 were divided into three groups according to their BMI: normal weight (<25 kg/m(2)), overweight (25-30 kg/m(2)) or obese (≥ 30 kg/m(2)). Severity of complications was scored according to the Dindo classification, which was divided into three categories: no complications, minor to moderate complications, and severe complications. Long-term survival was determined according to the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 736 esophagectomy patients were divided into three groups: normal weight (n = 352), overweight (n = 308), and obese (n = 72). Complications rates were similar for all groups (65-72%, P = 0.241). The incidence of anastomotic leakage was higher among obese patients compared to the other groups (20% vs. 10-12% respectively, P = 0.019), but there was no significant difference between the three groups regarding the severity of complications according to the Dindo classification (P = 0.660) or in 5-year survival rates (P = 0.517). CONCLUSIONS: A high BMI is not associated with an increased incidence or severity of complications after esophagectomy; however, anastomotic leakage occurred more frequently in obese patients. Five-year survival rates were not influenced by the preoperative BMI. A high BMI is therefore ought not be an exclusion criterion for esophagectomy.

Assessing cancer patients' trust in their oncologist: development and validation of the Trust in Oncologist Scale (TiOS).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Trust in Oncologist Scale (TiOS), which aims to measure cancer patients' trust in their oncologist. Structure, reliability and validity were examined. METHODS: Construction of the TiOS was based on a multidimensional theoretical framework. Cancer patients were surveyed within a week after their consultation. Trust, satisfaction, trust in health care, self-reported health and background variables were assessed. Dimensionality, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity were investigated. RESULTS: Data of 423 patients were included (response rate = 65%). After item reduction, the TiOS included 18 items. Trust scores were high. Exploratory factor analysis suggested one-dimensionality. Confirmatory factor analysis nevertheless indicated a reasonable fit of our four-dimensional theoretical model, distinguishing competence, fidelity, honesty and caring. Internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities were high. Good construct validity was indicated by moderate correlations of trust (TiOS) with satisfaction, trust in health care, willingness to recommend and number of consultations with the oncologist. Exploratory analyses suggested significant correlations of trust with ethnicity and age. CONCLUSIONS: The TiOS reliably and validly assesses cancer patients' trust in their oncologist. The questionnaire can be employed in both clinical practice and future research of cancer patients' trust.

Employment status and work-related problems of gastrointestinal cancer patients at diagnosis: a cross-sectional study.

Objective To assess the employment status of patients with gastrointestinal cancer at diagnosis and to examine work-related problems of employed patients. Design New, consecutive patients were included at the Gastrointestinal Oncology Center Amsterdam, a one-stop, rapid access diagnostic assessment centre. Patients were interviewed on their employment status by a nurse. If (self-) employed, patients were asked to self-report on work-related problems, perceived distress (0-10), cancer-related problems, fatigue (MFI-20, range 4-20) and work ability (three WAI questions, range 0-10). Results Of all 333 included new consecutive patients (age range 32-89 years), 95 patients (28%) were (self-) employed at time of diagnosis, 179 (54%) were pensioners, and 59 were not working (18%). For the assessment of work-related problems, 45 (47%) of these 95 employed patients with cancer participated. Their mean age was 56 years, and patients had oesophageal/stomach (49%), colorectal (18%) or hepatic/pancreatic/biliary cancer (33%). Half of the employed patients (49%) were still at work, while 51% were on sick leave. The main reasons for sick leave were stress (35%), (scheduled) operation (26%), fatigue (17%) and pain (13%). Most patients on sick leave (70%) had no contact with their own occupational physician, although the majority (67%) would like to continue to work. Work-related problems were experienced by 73% of working patients. The mean work ability was 5.4, the mean general fatigue score was 11.5, and the mean distress score was 4.7. Employed patients on sick leave reported a lower work ability, more fatigue and higher distress but no more cancer-related problems compared with those still working. Conclusion A quarter of all patients with gastrointestinal cancer seen at an oncological centre are employed at time of diagnosis, and of these employed patients, 73% experience work-related problems. During diagnosis and treatment, information and support on work-related issues should be offered to patients with cancer as an essential part of high-quality oncological care.

Peritoneal changes due to laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has been incorporated into common surgical practice. The peritoneum is an organ with various biologic functions that may be affected in different ways by laparoscopic and open techniques. Clinically, these alterations may be important in issues such as peritoneal metastasis and adhesion formation. METHODS: A literature search using the Pubmed and Cochrane databases identified articles focusing on the key issues of laparoscopy, peritoneum, inflammation, morphology, immunology, and fibrinolysis. RESULTS: Laparoscopic surgery induces alterations in the peritoneal integrity and causes local acidosis, probably due to peritoneal hypoxia. The local immune system and inflammation are modulated by a pneumoperitoneum. Additionally, the peritoneal plasmin system is inhibited, leading to peritoneal hypofibrinolysis. CONCLUSION: Similar to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery affects both the integrity and biology of the peritoneum. These observations may have implications for various clinical conditions.

Hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, recurrent, suppurative cutaneous disease. Despite its incidence, optimal medical or surgical treatment remains unclear. This review describes the disease, ranging from pathogenesis to treatment and prognosis. METHODS: Articles were sourced from PubMed and Medline, using the MeSH terms 'hidradenitis suppurativa' and 'acne inversa'. Selection of articles was based on peer review, journal, relevance and English language. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: On the basis of histological findings, the disease is now considered inflammatory and originating from the hair follicle; therefore, the term 'acne inversa' is favoured by some experts. The exact aetiology remains obscure but smoking seems to be a major triggering factor. Treatment should be individualized according to the site and extent of the disease. Absolute cessation of smoking is essential in the treatment of hidradenitis. Management with antibiotics or other medications may relieve early symptoms, but radical surgery may be necessary for control and to prevent recurrence.

The value of intraoperative frozen section examination of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel node biopsy is a standard diagnostic component for the treatment of patients with a primary mammary carcinoma. By concomitantly performing intraoperative lymph node biopsy and primary tumor resection, patients with a positive sentinel node (SN) are not subjected to the inconvenience and risks of second surgical intervention. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the sensitivity, accuracy and long-term consequences of the frozen section (FS) examination of the SN in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 615 patients with an invasive tumor of the breast. Frozen sections of the SN were taken from the optimal cross-sectional surface. Serial sections were made from the remaining SN and stained using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Sentinel node frozen biopsy accurately predicted the state of the axilla in 559 (90.7%) patients. There were 50 false-negative findings in patients with sentinel node metastases. The sensitivity and specificity of the intraoperative frozen section examination were 71.6% and 100%, respectively. Follow-up (mean 36.3 months) of all false-negative cases showed no development of local axillary recurrence. The results demonstrated no significant relation between tumor size and frozen section sensitivity. Frozen section investigation was less sensitive in ascertaining micrometastases (sensitivity 61.1%) than macrometastases (sensitivity 84.0%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative frozen section examination of the sentinel node is a useful predictor of axillary lymph node status in breast cancer patients. Seventy-two percent of the patients with metastatic disease were correctly diagnosed and spared a second surgical procedure.

Heating of carbon dioxide during insufflation alters the peritoneal fibrinolytic response to laparoscopic surgery : A clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery is evolving rapidly. It involves the creation of a pneumoperitoneum, mostly using carbon dioxide. Cooling of the peritoneum, due to insufflation, might traumatize the peritoneum and disturb peritoneal fibrinolysis, important in peritoneal healing processes. The current study was performed to elucidate the effects of the temperature of insufflation gas on the peritoneal fibrinolytic response to laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized in two groups: one group in which the pneumoperitoneum was created with carbon dioxide at room temperature, and one wherein carbon dioxide at body temperature was used. Peritoneal biopsies were taken at the start and at the end of surgery. Tissue concentrations of tPA antigen, tPA activity, uPA antigen, and PAI-1 antigen were measured using ELISA techniques. RESULTS: Peritoneal PAI-1 antigen levels were significantly higher at the end of the procedure in patients operated with carbon dioxide at room temperature (p < .05). A slight, but not significant, decrease in tPA antigen and activity was observed in both groups during the procedure. Peritoneal concentrations of uPa antigen did not change during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The temperature of carbon dioxide used for insufflation of the abdominal cavity affects peritoneal biology. Cooling of the peritoneum by unheated carbon dioxide causes increased peritoneal PAI-1 levels, important in peritoneal healing processes.

Randomized clinical trial of surgical technique and local antibiotics for ingrowing toenail.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate different surgical techniques for treating ingrowing toenails (IGTNs) and to determine the value of a locally applied antibiotic after intervention. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-three patients with IGTN were assigned randomly to one of four groups. All patients had partial nail avulsion. This was combined with excision of the matrix or application of phenol, with or without local application of gentamicin afterwards. All procedures were performed by one physician. The primary outcome measure was symptomatic recurrence of IGTN. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients were available for follow-up. Phenol gave significantly better results than matrix excision with respect to recurrence (including regrowth and spike formation) after 1 year (P < 0.001). In terms of signs of infection, there was no significant difference between phenol and matrix excision after 2 days (P = 0.224) or 1 week (P = 0.501). Antibiotics had no effect in reducing the risk of infection after 2 days (P = 0.989) or 1 week (P = 0.676), or in reducing the rate of recurrent IGTN at 1 year (P = 0.187). If regrowth or spike formation is included, the effect is even less significant (P = 0.876). CONCLUSION: Partial nail avulsion with phenolization gave better results than partial avulsion with matrix excision. Local antibiotics did not reduce signs of infection or recurrence. Use of phenol did not produce more signs of infection than matrix excision.

Value of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in the staging of high-risk women with primary or recurrent breast cancer. METHODS: FDG-PET was performed in 42 women with a primary breast cancer and unfavourable characteristics, or who had a suspected relapse. FDG-PET and conventional staging methods were compared. In case of abnormality on FDG-PET, confirmation was always attempted. RESULTS: Increased uptake was found in five of 17 women with a primary cancer. In the 25 women with a suspected relapse, FDG-PET showed increased uptake in 43 areas, 22 correctly confirming the area of suspected relapse and 21 indicating other sites of metastases. Compared with conventional imaging, FDG-PET revealed additional (confirmed) lesions in two women with primary cancers and three with relapse. Patient management was changed for five women. CONCLUSION: FDG-PET is a sensitive diagnostic method for the detection of distant metastatic disease. Its exact role in women with breast cancer remains to be defined.

Cost-effectiveness of new guidelines for adjuvant systemic therapy for patients with primary breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the potential impact of a new national guideline for adjuvant systemic therapy in breast cancer (introduced in The Netherlands in 1998) was assessed, as well as the modifications of this guideline, issued in 2001. Both the change in total number of patients eligible for adjuvant therapy, as well as the cost-effectiveness of the changed clinical management of these patients were analysed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Percentages of patients who would be eligible for adjuvant therapy in 1994, 1998 and 2001 were estimated, based on clinical data from 127 patients, who were operated on in 1994. Ten-year overall survival rates were used as a measure of effectiveness, based on the two most recent EBCTCG meta-analyses. Actual resource costs were calculated. With a decision analytic model, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (1998 versus 1994, and 2001 versus 1998) were calculated. RESULTS: The introduction of the 1998 guideline resulted in a relative increase of 80% in the total number of patients eligible for adjuvant therapy, compared with 1994 (from 40% to 72% of all patients with primary breast cancer). With an estimated absolute increase of 10-year overall survival of 2%, the 1998 guideline was found to have an expected incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of about 4837 per life-year gained. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of the new guideline considerably affected the number of patients eligible for adjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer. The associated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is well within the range of values that are generally considered acceptable.