Mechanisms of improved survival from intensive followup in colorectal cancer: a hypothesis.
A meta-analysis of six randomised trials demonstrated that intensive followup in colorectal cancer was associated with an absolute reduction in all-cause 5-year mortality of 10% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4-16)--however, only two percent (95% CI: 0-5) was attributable to cure from salvage re-operations. We postulate that other factors, such as increased psychological well-being and/or altered lifestyle, and/or improved treatment of coincidental disease may contribute to the remaining lives saved, and form important future research questions.
Renehan
A G
AG
Department of Surgery, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. arenehan@picr.man.ac.uk
Egger
M
M
Saunders
M P
MP
O'Dwyer
S T
ST
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000523:psychology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016879:Salvage Therapy; D016019:Survival Analysis