[IFCT-0302 trial: randomised study comparing two follow-up schedules in completely resected non-small cell lung cancer].
BACKGROUND
The authorities advocate a minimalist attitude towards the follow-up of resected bronchial carcinoma (clinical examination and chest x-ray). A survey showed that 70% of French respiratory physicians have chosen to use the CT scanner and often endoscopy. The published data are equivocal and are often based on retrospective studies. Lung cancer is a good model for a study of post-operative surveillance. Recurrences often occur in easily observed areas, they may be detected while still asymptomatic and are sometimes potentially curable. Second primary tumours may develop at the same site.


METHODS
The Intergroupe Francophone de Cancerologie Thoracique (IFCT) has initiated a trial comparing simple follow-up (clinical examination, chest x-ray) with a more intensive follow-up (CT scan, fibreoptic bronchoscopy). The surveillance will take place every 6 months for 2 years and then annually until 5 years.


RESULTS
The main aim is to determine whether intensive follow-up improves patient survival. The opposite question is equally important. If an expensive and demanding follow-up does not affect the chances of cure these results will influence our practice.
Westeel
V
V
Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Besançon, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon Cedex, France. virginie.westeel@univ-fcomte.fr
Lebitasy
M P
MP
Mercier
M
M
Girard
P
P
Barlesi
F
F
Blanchon
F
F
Tredaniel
J
J
Bonnette
P
P
Woronoff-Lemsi
M C
MC
Breton
J L
JL
Azarian
R
R
Falcoz
P E
PE
Friard
S
S
Geriniere
L
L
Laporte
S
S
Lemarie
E
E
Quoix
E
E
Zalcman
G
G
Guigay
J
J
Morin
F
F
Milleron
B
B
Depierre
A
A
D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000191:economics; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000601:surgery*; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000175:diagnosis; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000191:economics; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011788:Quality of Life; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000191:economics; D015996:Survival Rate; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics