 |
|
More intense bladder cancer treatment does not improve survival, U-M study finds
April 08, 2009ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Despite enduring more invasive tests and medical procedures, patients who were treated aggressively for early stage bladder cancer had no better survival than patients who were treated less aggressively. Further, the aggressively treated patients were more likely to undergo major surgery to have their bladder removed, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Because bladder cancer is often treated as a chronic disease requiring lifelong surveillance, it is among the most expensive cancers to treat in the United States. Urologists vary widely in how they approach early stage, or non-muscle-invasive, bladder cancer.
In this study, researchers gathered data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Medicare database. They looked at 940 doctors who provided care to 20,713 early stage bladder cancer patients. Each doctor included in the study had treated at least 10 patients for bladder cancer.
Results of the study appear in the April 15 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The study found that average per-patient treatment expenditures ranged from $2,830 for doctors in the low-intensity treatment category to $7,131 for doctors in the high-intensity category. At the same time, survival rates across all intensity categories were similar.
"What this indicates is that some doctors are providing potentially unnecessary care, or care without measurable benefit to the patient. It makes sense to many doctors and patients that more would be better, but unfortunately there can be unintended consequences of unneeded care," says study author Brent Hollenbeck, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of urology at the U-M Medical School.
The study found that patients treated more aggressively had more imaging procedures and more invasive surgical procedures. The aggressively treated patients were also nearly twice as likely to require major medical interventions, and were 2.5 times more likely to undergo radical cystectomy, a procedure to remove the bladder.
The study authors suggest that certain patients might still benefit from greater intensity of care, but further research is needed to determine which patients would benefit. Hollenbeck also urges randomized clinical trials to look at the value of some of the more expensive and common health services to determine their optimal use for patients with early stage bladder cancer.
"Urologists should not assume that more aggressive management of early stage bladder cancer will translate into better outcomes for their patients. By reducing unnecessary health care, we can reduce wasteful spending, which will lessen the cost burden of bladder cancer, one of the most expensive cancers to treat from diagnosis to death," Hollenbeck says.
University of Michigan Health System
Results of the study appear in the April 15 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The study found that average per-patient treatment expenditures ranged from $2,830 for doctors in the low-intensity treatment category to $7,131 for doctors in the high-intensity category. At the same time, survival rates across all intensity categories were similar.
"What this indicates is that some doctors are providing potentially unnecessary care, or care without measurable benefit to the patient. It makes sense to many doctors and patients that more would be better, but unfortunately there can be unintended consequences of unneeded care," says study author Brent Hollenbeck, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of urology at the U-M Medical School.
The study found that patients treated more aggressively had more imaging procedures and more invasive surgical procedures. The aggressively treated patients were also nearly twice as likely to require major medical interventions, and were 2.5 times more likely to undergo radical cystectomy, a procedure to remove the bladder.
The study authors suggest that certain patients might still benefit from greater intensity of care, but further research is needed to determine which patients would benefit. Hollenbeck also urges randomized clinical trials to look at the value of some of the more expensive and common health services to determine their optimal use for patients with early stage bladder cancer.
"Urologists should not assume that more aggressive management of early stage bladder cancer will translate into better outcomes for their patients. By reducing unnecessary health care, we can reduce wasteful spending, which will lessen the cost burden of bladder cancer, one of the most expensive cancers to treat from diagnosis to death," Hollenbeck says.
University of Michigan Health System
Bladder Cancer Current Events and Bladder Cancer News RSSPrediction model superior to traditional criteria in bladder treatment decision
A statistical model can accurately predict which patients will have poor outcomes after bladder surgery and can determine the need for chemotherapy.
Hopkins scientists find cells responsible for bladder cancer's spread
Johns Hopkins scientists have tracked down a powerful set of cells in bladder tumors that seem to be primarily responsible for the cancer's growth and spread using a technique that takes advantage of similarities between tumor and organ growth.
Variation in prostate stem cell antigen gene raises bladder cancer risk
Researchers have pinpointed a specific gene variation that causes increased risk of urinary bladder cancer, according to a scientific team led by The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
UT Southwestern researchers investigate high-risk populations for bladder-cancer screenings
A new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers sheds light on the challenges involved in identifying which high-risk population would benefit most from bladder-cancer screening.
DKK-3 and WIF-1: Proteins related to liver cancer development?
Liver cancer is one of the most fatal human malignancies and the third most frequent cause of tumor-related death, about half a million people globally each year.
Certain ecologic factors associated with greater risk of bladder cancer
Persons drinking well water (as opposed to public supply) may be at an increased risk of bladder cancer, according to new research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Researchers will present data about the relationship between bladder cancer and certain ecologic factors including water source and UV radiation levels at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).
Mayo Clinic researcher says improved detection of bladder tumors reduces cancer recurrence
Making tumors inside the bladder fluoresce red under blue light allows physicians to more easily find and remove them, substantially reducing the rate at which these cancers come back, says a Mayo Clinic physician who is presenting results of a large, multicenter international clinical trial.
Genetic Variants Predict Recurrence of Bladder Cancer, Patient Survival
Scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered genetic variations in the inflammation pathway that reduce the likelihood of recurrence and increase survival of patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who are treated with mainstream therapy.
New Discovery Raises Doubts About Use of Certain Targeted Therapies in Bladder Cancer
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have found that one of the genes commonly thought to promote the growth and spread of some types of cancers is in fact beneficial in bladder cancer - a major discovery that could significantly alter the way bladder cancers are treated in the future.
New investigational treatment for bladder cancer, identified with Columbia-developed research model
A team of researchers, led by Columbia University Medical Center faculty, has identified a new investigational therapy for the treatment of bladder cancer.
More Bladder Cancer Current Events and Bladder Cancer News Articles
 |
Bladder Cancer: A Resource Guide for Patients and Their Families by Gary Dunetz (Author) If you, a loved one or friend has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, learning the basics is of utmost importance. It is essential to understand the nature of the disease, the work up and variety of treatments which are available. This book is comprehensive yet user friendly. It is written in a question and answer format in conversational tone. The physician author is a clinical urologist who has guided many individuals with bladder cancer through diagnosis and the various forms of treatment. This resource should enable those with bladder cancer and their family and friends to face this challenge with reason. After reading this book, you will be able to make an informed decision as you collaborate with your physician to regain your health. This book is written to allow the reader to have... |
 |
100 Questions & Answers About Bladder Cancer by Pamela Ellsworth (Author), Brett Carswell (Author) Approximately 62,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year, making bladder cancer the fourth most common type of cancer in men and the eighth most common type in women. Whether you're a newly diagnosed bladder cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. The only book to provide both the doctor's and patient's views, 100 Questions & Answers About Bladder Cancer gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, coping strategies, sources of support, and much more. Written by two prominent urologists, with "insider" advice from actual patients, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease. |
 |
Bladder Cancer (Cleveland Clinic Guide) by M D Raghavan (Author), Kathleen Tuthill (Author) Cancer that arises in the bladder is one of the most common malignancies in industrialized societies and yet is not well understood in the community at large. Bladder Cancer: A Cleveland Clinic Guide provides simple, non-medical explanations of this disease for people who have to deal with this illness, either as patients or as those who care for these patients. |
 |
The Guide to Living with Bladder Cancer by Dr. Mark P. Schoenberg MD FACS (Author) Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD. Text for families and patients facing this disease. Discusses the structure and function of the urinary tract, an overview of bladder cancer and risk factors, symptoms, surgery, life after surgery, principles of chemotherapy, tests and diagnosis, and major surgical procedures. Hardcover, soft not available |
 |
Bladder Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Bladder Cancer Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Bladder Cancer Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Bladder Cancer Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
 |
Fight Against Bladder Cancer T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Fight Against Bladder Cancer Mug by Design a Product LLC Text on mug: Fight Against Bladder Cancer * Custom coffee mugs are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Colors are permanently baked into the mug''s surface. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom coffee mugs please contact us. * Size: 11 oz. capacity ceramic coffee mug. |
 |
Olympian Labs Prosplex For Men by Olympian Labs The prostate is a doughnut shaped gland located behind the pubic bone and below the bladder in males. It surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra, a small tubular structure that drains urine from the bladder to the penis. The prostate gland is a common site of Malfunction of mind or bodys in the male genitourinary system. As men age, their prostate gland often enlarges. This condition is referred to as Benign Prostate Hypertrophy or BPH. Over 50% of American men will develop an enlarged prostate in their lifetime. Dietary supplementation of nutrients essential for prostate health have been shown to be effective in the relief of BPH. |
 |
Treatment and Management of Bladder Cancer (with CD) by Seth P. Lerner (Editor), Mark Schoenberg (Editor), Cora Sternberg (Editor) Bladder cancer is an international public health problem affecting millions of people in both developed and underdeveloped nations. This major urologic malignancy was one of the first cancers to be linked to occupational and environmental exposure to carcinogens. Bladder cancer is the 5th most common cancer of American men and the 8th most common cancer of American women. Sixty thousand new cases of the disease are diagnosed each year in the US alone; disease prevalence is high in western nations due to the predominance of the chronic relapsing form of cancer that occurs in these countries (USA prevalence estimated to be 600,000; NCI-SEER database). This single fact makes bladder cancer one of the most expensive cancers to treat. Treatment and Management of Bladder Cancer, drawing on... |
 |
Bladder Cancer (Fast Facts) by Michael Bailey (Author), Michael Sarosdy (Author) Bladder cancer is a common tumor and primary care physicians can expect to see at least three new cases per year. This new edition of FAST FACTS: BLADDER CANCER features: New chapters on palliation and oncology. New expanded coverage of chemotherapy and radiography. Includes the very latest evidence-based guidelines on diagnosis and therapeutics. Future Trends chapter reviews advances in early diagnosis and therapeutics. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |