RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Follow-up strategies in gynecological oncology: searching appropriateness
JF International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer
JO Int J Gynecol Cancer
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 1186
OP 1193
DO 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2007.00943.x
VO 17
IS 6
A1 P. Zola
A1 L. Fuso
A1 S. Mazzola
A1 A. Gadducci
A1 F. Landoni
A1 T. Maggino
A1 E. Sartori
YR 2007
UL http://ijgc.bmj.com/content/17/6/1186.abstract
AB Nowadays, the cost for oncology diseases is growing rapidly, in particular as a consequence of the introduction of new drugs and new diagnostic procedures, and becoming a considerable percentage of the global healthcare expense. On the other hand, a substantial amount of that cost is considered to be imputable to the follow-up procedures. The aim of our paper is to introduce the debate about follow-up policies adopted in gynecological oncology throughout a literature review just based on cost-effectiveness and cost-efficacy in order to explore if the data are consistent with evidences available in this field. Furthermore, it is discussed if common practice fits the needs of patients, gynecological oncologists, and health service. Despite the fact that in gynecological oncology we must consider different clinical situations concerning each specific neoplasm with their peculiar natural history, some general considerations could be drawn in order to set up future initiatives properly