Browsing by Subject "testis cancer"

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    A Canadian approach to the regionalization of testis cancer: A review
    (CUA, 2020) Nason, Gregory J.; Wood, Lori; Huddart, Robert A.; Albers, Peter; Rendon, Ricardo A.; Einhorn, Lawrence H.; Nichols, Craig R.; Kollmannsberger, Christian; Anson-Cartwright, Lynn; Sweet, Joan; Warde, Padraig; Jewett, Michael A. S.; Chung, Peter; Bedard, Philippe L.; Hansen, Aaron R.; Hamilton, Robert J.; Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine
    At the Canadian Testis Cancer Workshop, the rationale and feasibility of regionalization of testis cancer care were discussed. The two-day workshop involved urologists, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, physician’s assistants, residents and fellows, and nurses, as well as patients and patient advocacy groups. This review summarizes the discussion and recommendations of one of the central topics of the workshop — the centralization of testis cancer in Canada. It was acknowledged that non-guideline-concordant care in testis cancer occurs frequently, in the range of 18–30%. The National Health Service in the U.K. stipulates various testis cancer care modalities be delivered through supra-regional network. All cases are reviewed at a multidisciplinary team meeting and aspects of care can be delivered locally through the network. In Germany, no such network exists, but an insurance-supported online second opinion network was developed that currently achieves expert case review in over 30% of cases. There are clear benefits to regionalization in terms of survival, treatment morbidity, and cost. There was agreement at the workshop that a structured pathway for diagnosis and treatment of testis cancer patients is required. Regionalization may be challenging in Canada because of geography; independent administration of healthcare by each province; physicians fearing loss of autonomy and revenue; patient unwillingness to travel long distances from home; and the inability of the larger centers to handle the ensuing increase in volume. We feel the first step is to identify the key performance indicators and quality metrics to track the quality of care received. After identifying these metrics, implementation of a “networks of excellence” model, similar to that seen in sarcoma care in Ontario, could be effective, coupled with increased use of health technology, such as virtual clinics and telemedicine.
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    Contemporary trends in postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection: Additional procedures and perioperative complications
    (Elsevier, 2015-09) Cary, Clint; Masterson, Timothy A.; Bihrle, Richard; Foster, Richard S.; Department of Urology, IU School of Medicine
    Introduction Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) is a mainstay in the treatment of men with metastatic testicular cancer. We sought to determine whether trends in the need for additional intraoperative procedures and development of perioperative complications have changed over time. Methods Patients undergoing PC-RPLND from 2003 to 2011 were identified in the Indiana University Testis Cancer Database. Trends in the incidence of perioperative complications and additional procedures were assessed over time using regression tests of trend. Complications were classified according to the modified Clavien system. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with undergoing additional procedures. Results After exclusion criteria, 755 patients were included in the final study cohort. The incidence of additional procedures at PC-RPLND was 22.1% (167 of 755). The rate of additional procedures per year ranged from 17% to 30%, with no significant trend in any direction (Ptrend = 0.66). After adjusting for covariates, preoperative retroperitoneal (RP) mass size, elevated markers, and RP pathology remained significantly associated with the odds of an additional procedure. RP mass size of>10 cm was the strongest predictor (odds ratio = 7.2, 95% CI: 2.6–19.5). Overall, the incidence of perioperative complications was 3.7% (28 of 755). The rate of perioperative complications per year ranged from 0% to 7.3% with no significant trend in any direction (Ptrend = 0.06). Conclusion The incidence of perioperative complications is low with no significant trend over the last decade. A substantial number of patients require additional intraoperative procedures during PC-RPLND, which has remained stable at our institution over time.
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    Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes after Primary Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection: Minimizing the Need for Adjuvant Chemotherapy
    (AUA, 2020) Douglawi, Antoin; Calaway, Adam; Tachibana, Isamu; Barboza, Marcelo Panizzutti; Speir, Ryan; Masterson, Timothy; Adra, Nabil; Foster, Richard; Einhorn, Lawrence; Cary, Clint; Urology, School of Medicine
    Objective: To analyze the oncological outcomes of men undergoing primary RPLND and characterize the use of adjuvant chemotherapy and template dissections. Methods: Retrospective review of Indiana University testis cancer database identified patients who underwent a primary RPLND between 01/2007 and 12/2017. Patients and providers were contacted to obtain information regarding adjuvant therapy, recurrence, and survival. Primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS). Kaplan-Meier curves assessed survival differences stratified by pathologic stage, template of dissection, and use of adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: Overall, 274 patients were included. Most men presented with CS-I disease (214, 78%). A modified unilateral template was performed in 257 (94%) and bilateral template in 17 (6%). Overall, 148 (54%) and 126 (46%) of men had Pathologic Stage I (PS-I) and PS-II disease, respectively. Thirteen patients (10%) with PS-II disease were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. With a median follow-up was 55 months, only 33 (12%) patients recurred. Of the 113 patients with PS-II disease who did not receive chemotherapy, 21 (19%) relapsed and 81% were cured were surgery alone and never recurred. No difference in RFS was noted between modified and bilateral template dissections. Conclusions: The use of adjuvant chemotherapy has been minimal over the past decade. The majority (81%) of men with PS-II disease were cured with RPLND alone and were able to avoid chemotherapy. Modified unilateral template dissection provided excellent oncologic control while minimizing morbidity.