ReCAP: Serum Tumor Marker Use in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors [HEALTH CARE DELIVERY]

The objective of this study is to evaluate the frequency of tumor marker use in patients with advanced solid tumors. SUMMARY ANSWER: Over a 1-year period, the mean number of any individual test per patient was seven tests, and the maximum number was 35 tests; the mean number of total tests per patient was 12 tests, and the maximum number was 70 tests. In a 1-year time frame, 16.3% of patients had more than 12 individual tests, and 34.3% had more than one individual test in a 1-month span. METHODS: For each patient with a diagnosis of advanced solid tumor who had outpatient visits between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014, at Columbia University Medical Center, we recorded the dates of the following tumor marker tests: α-fetoprotein, CA-125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CA 27-29, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). BIAS, CONFOUNDING FACTOR(S), DRAWBACKS: This was a 1-year evaluation of tumor marker use at a single institution. As a result, our findings may be skewed by the practice patterns of a few individual providers. Our cancer center is an urban academic tertiary care center; as a result, our experience may not be applicable to the general population. REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS: We found a high rate of serum tumor marker testing overuse in patients with advanced solid tumors. There is currently a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of frequent tumor marker testing, and additional studies are needed to inform practice. Interventions to reduce overuse could help reduce t...
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Management and treatment, Quality of care, Tumor marker, Quality of Care, Quality of Care, Adult Medical Oncology HEALTH CARE DELIVERY Source Type: research