Follow-up for cancer patients

Background: Particularly in the first months following primary treatment, surveillance of patients with malignant tumors is intended to provide for psychosocial care, as much safety and rehabilitation as possible, early detection and treatment of sequela to treatment and early detection and treatment of recurrent and secondary disease. The nature and duration of surveillance are controversial. Methods: Based on a literature search and a synthesis of mostly evidence-based data, the role of clinical examinations, laboratory tests and imaging studies in the follow-up of colorectal, breast and lung cancer patients was evaluated. Results: For all tumor entities clinical examinations and general medical care as well as the targeted use of some few diagnostic tools proved to be useful both for detecting early recurrence and for psychosocial care. Irrespective of the type of cancer, routine programmed laboratory tests and imaging studies did not demonstrably prolong survival or improve the quality of life. Conclusions: Tumor patients should be followed up in keeping with current guidelines. Surveillance should ideally be an interdisciplinary effort based on a well coordinated schedule. Primary care physicians should also be involved. Patients should be fully informed and have easy access to their care providers at the shortest possible notice. © Springer-Verlag 2006.