Factors influencing medical oncology referral in Dukes' C colonic cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and adjuvant chemotherapy is proven to improve survival in patients with Dukes' C CRC. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors influencing referral to medical oncology in patients with Dukes' C colonic cancer in our institutions.


METHODS
Patients who underwent resection for Dukes' C colonic cancer were assessed for factors that influence the pattern of postoperative referral to the medical oncology department, including demographic and perioperative data.


RESULTS
Overall, 466 patients were identified to have Dukes' C colonic cancer, with 53.9% of these being female. Referral to medical oncology occurred for 58.4% patients. Multivariable logistic regression modeling identified age, elective admission and resection in private hospitals as factors. The likelihood of medical oncology referral in patients who had elective resection was 63% versus 41% in those who had emergency resection and resection in private hospitals was 69% versus 50% in public hospitals.


CONCLUSIONS
Referral to a postoperative medical oncology clinic for adjuvant chemotherapy in Dukes' C colonic cancer was more likely in younger patients, those who underwent elective resection and those treated in private hospitals.
Lu
Cu-Tai
CT
Division of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia.
Stephens
Jacqueline H
JH
Rieger
Nicholas A
NA
D000368:Aged; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D016304:Hospitals, Private / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*