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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2005; 18(3): 232-243
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-916284
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Follow-Up Recommendations for Colon Cancer

W. Donald Buie1 , 2 , Jo-Anne P. Attard1
  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • 2Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
02 September 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Recent evidence suggests that intensive follow-up after curative resection of colorectal cancer is associated with a small but significant improvement in survival. Regimens that employ cross-sectional imaging and carcinoembryonic antigen determination appear to have the greatest benefit. A risk-adapted approach to follow-up, intensively following patients at highest risk of recurrence, increases efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Ongoing improvements in risk stratification, disease detection, and treatment will increase the benefits of postoperative surveillance. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the optimal surveillance regimen and must include an analysis of survival, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness to assess efficacy properly.

KEYWORDS

Colorectal neoplasm - neoplasm recurrence/detection - neoplasm metastasis/diagnosis - surveillance - follow-up - survival

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W. Donald BuieM.D. 

Foothills Hospital/SSB Rm. AC144D

1403 29th St., NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9 Canada

Email: wdbuie@ucalgary.ca

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