Follow-up after primary therapy for XXXX : a systematic review.

@entity1 @entity1204
OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimum follow-up of @entity1 who are clinically disease-free following potentially curative treatment for @entity1204 . METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases (1980 to October 2005) was conducted. Data were pooled across trials to determine overall estimates of recurrence patterns. RESULTS: Sixteen non-comparative retrospective studies were identified. The overall risk of recurrence was 13% for all @entity1 and 3% or less for @entity1 at low risk. Approximately 70% of all recurrences were symptomatic, and 68% to 100% of recurrences occurred within approximately the first 3 years of follow-up. No reliable differences in survival were detected between @entity1 with symptomatic or asymptomatic recurrences nor were differences in @entity1 outcomes reported by type of follow-up strategy employed. Detection of asymptomatic recurrences ranged from 5% to 33% of @entity1 with physical examination, 0% to 4% with vaginal vault cytology, 0% to 14% with chest X-ray, 4% to 13% with abdominal ultrasound, 5% to 21% with abdominal/pelvic CT scan, and 15% in selected @entity1 with CA 125. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence to inform whether intensive follow-up schedules with multiple routine diagnostic interventions result in survival benefits any more or less than non-intensive follow-up schedules without multiple routine diagnostic interventions. Routine testing seems to be of limited benefit for @entity1 at low risk of disease. Most recurrences tend to occur in high risk @entity1 within 3 years, and most recurrences involve symptoms. The most appropriate follow-up strategy is likely one based upon the risk of recurrence and the natural history of the disease. Counseling on the potential symptoms of recurrence is extremely important because the majority of @entity1 with recurrences were symptomatic. A proposed routine follow-up schedule is offered.
