Our Summary

This research paper discusses the difficulties of conducting trials for surgical cancer treatments and offers recommendations for improving these trials. The researchers reviewed prior studies on this topic and drew upon two ongoing trials related to colon and rectal cancer to illustrate their points. They identified twelve main challenges, such as ensuring standard treatment methods, effectively recruiting participants, selecting appropriate outcome measures, and managing learning curves for new techniques. The study emphasizes the importance of involving patients and the public in these trials, and of trainee-led networks. The goal of the recommendations is to enhance the quality and speed of evaluations of new surgical treatments for cancer, ultimately resulting in faster adoption of beneficial innovations in patient care.

FAQs

  1. What are some of the main challenges identified in conducting trials for surgical cancer treatments?
  2. How can the quality and speed of evaluations for new surgical cancer treatments be enhanced?
  3. Why is it important to involve patients and the public in trials for surgical cancer treatments?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oncologic surgery is to ensure they follow their pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding activities that could disrupt the healing process. It is also important for patients to communicate openly with their healthcare team about any concerns or symptoms they may be experiencing. By following these instructions and staying engaged in their care, patients can help optimize their recovery and outcomes following oncologic surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for oncologic surgery include those with solid tumors that are localized and have not metastasized to other parts of the body. These patients may have been diagnosed with various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, or ovarian cancer, among others. The decision to undergo oncologic surgery is typically made after careful consideration of factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health and fitness for surgery, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure.

In general, patients who are in good overall health and have a good prognosis for a successful outcome from surgery are more likely to be recommended for oncologic surgery. However, each individual case is unique, and the decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists.

It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare providers and to ask any questions they may have about the benefits, risks, and potential outcomes of oncologic surgery. Patients should also be informed about alternative treatment options, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy, and be encouraged to seek a second opinion if they have any doubts or concerns about their recommended treatment plan. Ultimately, the goal of oncologic surgery is to remove or reduce the cancerous tumor and to improve the patient’s chances of survival and quality of life.

Timeline

Before oncologic surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with cancer and meets with oncologist to discuss treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine the extent of the cancer and overall health.
  3. Patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy prior to surgery to shrink the tumor.
  4. Patient meets with surgeon to discuss the surgical procedure, risks, and potential outcomes.
  5. Patient prepares for surgery by following pre-operative instructions and making necessary arrangements for post-operative care.

After oncologic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove the cancerous tumor.
  2. Patient recovers in the hospital and may experience pain, discomfort, and side effects from the surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative tests and evaluations to monitor recovery and assess the success of the surgery.
  4. Patient may require additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy to prevent recurrence of the cancer.
  5. Patient follows up with oncologist and surgeon for regular check-ups and monitoring of their overall health and any potential cancer recurrence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of cancer do I have and what are my treatment options?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of undergoing oncologic surgery?
  3. How experienced is the surgical team in performing this specific type of surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of this surgery for patients in my situation?
  5. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
  6. Are there alternative treatment options to consider?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery?
  8. What kind of support services are available to help me during and after surgery?
  9. What are the potential long-term side effects or complications of the surgery?
  10. How frequently will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after surgery?
  11. Are there any clinical trials or research studies that I may be eligible for?
  12. How can I best prepare for surgery, both physically and emotionally?

Reference

Authors: Glasbey JC, Magill EL, Brock K, Bach SP. Journal: Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2017 Dec;29(12):799-810. doi: 10.1016/j.clon.2017.10.002. Epub 2017 Oct 31. PMID: 29097072