Trends in quality of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma care: is it getting better?

This study outlines trends in quality of delivered non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) care in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2011 and to what extend this was influenced by the national Visible Care program, which aimed at increasing transparency by providing insight into the quality of healthcare. We analyzed data collected from medical records in two observational studies, combined into 20 validated quality indicators (QIs) of which 6 were included in the national program. A random sample of 771 patients, diagnosed with NHL in 26 Dutch hospitals, was examined. Multilevel regression analyses were used to assess differences in quality of NHL care and to provide insight into the effect of the national program. We reported improved adherence to only 3 out of 6 QIs involved in the national program and none of the other 14 validated QIs. Improvement was shown for performance of all recommended staging techniques (from 26 to 43 %), assessment of International Prognostic Index (from 21 to 43 %), and multidisciplinary discussion of patients (from 23 to 41 %). We found limited improvement in quality of NHL care between 2007 and 2011; improvement potential (<80 % adherence) was still present for 13 QIs. The national program seems to have a small positive effect, but has not influenced all 20 indicators which represent the most important, measurable parts in quality of NHL care. These results illustrate the need for tailored implementation and quality improvement initiatives.

Delivering high-quality care to patients with a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: barriers perceived by patients and physicians.

BACKGROUND: Despite the presence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) guidelines, there are still gaps between best evidence as described in guidelines and quality of care in daily practice. Little is known about factors that affect this discrepancy. We aim to identify barriers that influence the delivery of care and to explore differences between patients' and physicians' experiences, as well as between the different disciplines involved. METHODS: Patients and physicians involved in NHL care were interviewed about their experiences with NHL care. The barriers identified in these interviews were quantified in a web-based survey. Differences were tested using Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Barriers frequently perceived by patients concerned lack of patient information and emphatic contact (12-43%), long waiting times (19-35%) and lack of guidance and support (39%). Most barriers mentioned by physicians concerned the unavailability of the guideline (32%), lack of an up-to-date guideline (66%), lack of standardised forms for diagnostics (56-70%) and of multidisciplinary meetings (56%). Perceived barriers concerning the guideline and standardised forms significantly varied between the disciplines involved (range 14-84%, p.

Risk of prostate cancer among cancer survivors in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: In parallel with increasing numbers of cancer patients and improving cancer survival, the occurrence of second primary cancers becomes a relevant issue. The aim of our study was to evaluate risk of prostate cancer as second primary cancer in a population-based setting. METHODS: Data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry were used to estimate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prostate cancer as second primary cancer. The effect of time since first cancer diagnosis, specific first cancer sites, age, and pelvic radiotherapy was taken into account. RESULTS: Out of 551,553 male patients diagnosed with a first primary cancer between 1989 and 2008, 9243 patients were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Overall, cancer survivors showed an increased risk (SIR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.3) of prostate cancer. The increased prostate cancer risk was limited to the first year of follow-up for the majority of the specific first cancer sites. More than 10 years after the first cancer diagnosis, only melanoma patients were at increased risk (SIR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9), while patients with head or neck cancers were at decreased risk (SIR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9) of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Patients who underwent primary pelvic radiotherapy for their first cancer had a decreased risk of prostate cancer in the long term (SIR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that cancer survivors have an increased prostate cancer risk in the first year following a first cancer diagnosis, which is most likely the result of active screening or incidental detection.

Two sides of the medallion: poor treatment tolerance but better survival by standard chemotherapy in elderly patients with advanced-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: We investigated treatment of unselected elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and its subsequent impact on treatment tolerance and survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from all 419 advanced-stage DLBCL patients, aged 75 or older and newly diagnosed between 1997 and 2004, were included from five regional population-based cancer registries in The Netherlands. Subsequent data on comorbidity, performance status, treatment, motives for adaptations or refraining from chemotherapy and toxic effects was collected from the medical records. Follow-up was completed until 1st January 2009. RESULTS: Only 46% of patients received the standard therapy [aggressive chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP)-like chemotherapy]. Motives for withholding chemotherapy were refusal by patient/family, poor performance status or estimated short life expectancy. Of all patients receiving CHOP-like chemotherapy, only 56% could complete at least six cycles. Grade 3 or 4 toxicity occurred in 67% of patients receiving standard therapy. The independent effect of therapy on survival remained after correction for the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index. CONCLUSIONS: Standard therapy was applied less often in elderly patients with a subsequent independent negative impact on survival. Furthermore, high toxicity rate and the impossibility of the majority of patients to complete treatment were seen. This implies that better treatment strategies should be devised including a proper selection of senior patients for this aggressive chemotherapy.

Diverging trends in incidence and mortality, and improved survival of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in the Netherlands, 1989-2007.

BACKGROUND: We studied progress in the fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in the Netherlands by describing the changes in incidence, treatment, relative survival, and mortality during 1989-2007. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included all adult patients with NHL [i.e. all mature B-, T-, and natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms, with the exception of plasma cell neoplasms], newly diagnosed in the period 1989-2007 and recorded in the Netherlands Cancer Registry (n=55 069). Regular mortality data were derived from Statistics Netherlands. Follow-up was completed up to 1 January 2009. Annual percentages of change in incidence, mortality, and relative survival were calculated. RESULTS: The incidence of indolent B-cell and T- and NK-cell neoplasms rose significantly (estimated annual percentage change=1.2% and 1.3%, respectively); incidence of aggressive B-cell neoplasms remained stable. Mortality due to NHL remained stable between 1989 and 2003, and has decreased since 2003. Five-year relative survival rates rose from 67% to 75%, and from 43% to 52%, respectively, for indolent and aggressive mature B-cell neoplasms, but 5-year survival remained stable at 48% for T- and NK-cell neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: In the Netherlands, incidence of indolent mature B-cell and mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms has increased since 1989 but remained stable for aggressive neoplasms. Survival increased for all mature B-cell neoplasms, preceding a declining mortality and increased prevalence of NHL (17 597 on 1 January 2008).

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in the Netherlands: trends in incidence, treatment and survival, 1989-2008.

We present trends in incidence, early treatment and survival of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) between 1989 and 2008, based on population-based data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Incidence rates were stable at 5.1 per 100,000 person-years for males, but increased from 2.3 to 2.5 for females, especially for females aged 50-64 years (from 3.6 to 4.3). Patients were less likely to receive chemotherapy within six months, i.e. from 29% to 24% among males and from 25% to 21% among females. Five-year relative survival increased from 61% in 1989-1993 to 70% 2004-2008 for males, and from 71% to 76% for females. The relative excess risk of dying decreased in time to 0.7 (males) and 0.9 (females) in 2004-2008, reference 1989-1993, and increased with age to 2.9 (males) and 1.8 (females) in patients aged 75-94 years, reference 30-64 years. The increasing incidence among females aged 50-64 coincided with the introduction of mass screening for breast cancer, which resulted in a large group of women under increased surveillance and possibly led to increased detection of CLL. The increase in survival might be underestimated due to possible decreased or delayed registration of indolent cases and the retroactive effect of the introduction of new therapies.

Predicting the need for end-of-life care for elderly cancer patients: findings from a Dutch regional cancer registry database.

Over 80% of all deaths in the Netherlands concern people aged 65 years and older. Elderly patients who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness have many unmet healthcare needs in the last phase of their life. For this exploratory population-based study, data from the Eindhoven Cancer Registry were retrospectively analysed to determine possible trends in the number, patient characteristics, treatment and survival of patients aged 65 years and older newly diagnosed with stage IV cancer (n= 9028), a group of elderly in the palliative phase of cancer. During 1996-2006 a substantial increase of 81% in the number of elderly patients newly diagnosed with cancer stage IV was found. Over 70% of these patients received primary cancer treatment, irrespective of serious comorbidity (in 61% of them) and a short life expectancy (most died within 12 months except for those with cancer of the prostate). The vast increase in the number of the elderly who need palliative care contributes to awareness among healthcare professionals about future demand. They enable anticipation and planning sufficient end-of-life care capacity, but also to develop care planning programmes for these older palliative cancer patients. Research needs to be done on aspects of the symptom burden, role of palliative treatment, psychological, social and spiritual needs and end-of-life decision-making. Registration of additional data on these aspects of (palliative) care is suggested.

Chemotherapy in elderly small-cell lung cancer patients: yes we can, but should we do it?

BACKGROUND: Twenty percent of all newly diagnosed patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) are >75 years. Elderly patients may show more toxicity due to co-morbidity. We evaluated motives for adherence to treatment guidelines, completion of treatment and toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Population-based data from patients aged ≥75 years and diagnosed with SCLC in 1997-2004 in The Netherlands were used (368 limited disease and 577 extensive disease). Additional data on co-morbidity (Adult Co-morbidity Evaluation 27), World Health Organisation performance status (PS), treatment, motive for no chemotherapy, adaptations and underlying motive and grade 3 or 4 toxicity were gathered from the medical records. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent did not receive chemotherapy. The most common motives were refusal by the patient or family, short life expectancy or a combination of high age, co-morbidity and poor PS. Although only relatively fit elderly were selected for chemotherapy, 60%-75% developed serious toxicity, and two-thirds of all patients could not complete the full chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesise that a better selection by proper geriatric assessments is needed to achieve a more favourable balance between benefit and harm.

Validation, revision and extension of the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) in a population-based setting.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to validate the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) in a population-based cohort and to study the relevance of revision and extension of the FLIPI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of 353 unselected patients, 1993-2002, in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry, were collected. Follow-up was completed up to 1 January 2006. Multiple imputations for missing covariates were used. Validity was assessed by comparing observed to predicted survival of the original model and of a revised model with other prognostic variables. RESULTS: The original FLIPI stratified our cohort into three different risk groups based on stage, Hb, lactate dehydrogenase, nodal involvement and age. The discrimination between risk groups was not as good as in the original cohort. A model including age in three categories (< or =60/61-70/>70 years) and presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (yes/no) resulted in a better prognostic index. The 5-year overall survival rates were 79%, 59% and 28% in the low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups for the extended FLIPI compared with 81%, 66% and 47% for the original FLIPI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the FLIPI was validated in a population-based setting, but could significantly be improved by a more refined coding of age and by including the presence of CVD.

COPD in cancer patients: higher prevalence in the elderly, a different treatment strategy in case of primary tumours above the diaphragm, and a worse overall survival in the elderly patient.

The purpose of this study was to document the influence of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) on stage at diagnosis, treatment strategy, and survival for unselected cancer patients (35 years and older) diagnosed between 1995 and 2004 in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry. Follow-up of all patients was complete up to January 1st, 2006. Twelve percent of all cancer patients had COPD at the time of cancer diagnosis, being about 15% in elderly patients (65+) and up to 30% among lung cancer patients, middle-aged males and all females with oesophageal and laryngeal cancer, and middle-aged women with renal cancer. Stage at diagnoses was not significantly different between cancer patients with or without COPD, except for lung cancer patients who were diagnosed at an earlier stage. Nevertheless, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with COPD less frequently underwent surgery, and chemotherapy, and more often radiotherapy. In the presence of COPD, women with oesophageal cancer underwent surgery less often, and patients with laryngeal cancer received radiotherapy more often. The effect of COPD on the type of oncological treatment was not different for middle-aged (35-64 years) and elderly cancer patients. In a multivariate Cox-regression model, COPD was associated with a significantly worse survival, especially for elderly patients with colon, rectum, larynx, prostate or urinary bladder cancer. In conclusion, not surprisingly, COPD is related with age and smoking-associated tumours. Therapy of cancer patients with COPD was different for head and neck tumours and primary tumours in the chest organs (above the diaphragm), for whom radiotherapy, as an alternative treatment option, was available. As COPD, especially at older age, is frequently associated with a worse prognosis, further prospective investigation of interactions seems warranted. Further, closer involvement of pulmonologists and COPD nurses in elderly cancer patients might be warranted.

Up-to-date survival estimates and historical trends of cutaneous malignant melanoma in the south-east of The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: We present survival outcomes of patients registered in the Dutch population-based Eindhoven Cancer Registry (ECR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data on patients diagnosed with a melanoma between 1980 and 2002 were obtained from the ECR. Data on vital status up to 1 January 2005 were obtained, up-to-date survival rates were calculated using period analysis. Multivariate analyses were carried out using Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Ten-year crude survival rates were 82% for women and 60% for men (P < 0.05). Thin melanomas (Breslow thickness 74%, for melanomas >4.0 mm these rates were <65% (P < 0.05). In the early 1980s, 5-year relative survival rates were 84% and 62% for young (<60 years) women and men, and 66% and 69%, respectively, for the elderly (aged 60+). In the period 2000-2002, these rates had improved to >90% for females and to >72% for males. Multivariate analyses showed increased hazard ratios with increasing age and Breslow thickness, being male, having a melanoma on the trunk or unknown sites and having a nodular melanoma. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the absence of improvements in treatment options for melanoma, survival improved significantly, except for elderly males.