Synapse - Is it time to centralize ovarian cancer care in the United States?

Is it time to centralize ovarian cancer care in the United States? Journal Article

Authors:	Cowan, R. A.; O’Cearbhaill, R. E.; Gardner, G. J.; Levine, D. A.; Long Roche, K.; Sonoda, Y.; Zivanovic, O.; Tew, W. P.; Sala, E.; Lakhman, Y.; Vargas Alvarez, H. A.; Sarasohn, D. M.; Mironov, S.; Abu-Rustum, N. R.; Chi, D. S.
Article Title:	Is it time to centralize ovarian cancer care in the United States?
Abstract:	Purpose: The purpose of this article was to broadly review the most up-to-date information pertaining to the centralization of ovarian cancer care in the United States (US) and worldwide. Methods: Much of the present literature pertaining to disparities in, and centralization of, ovarian cancer care in the US and internationally was reviewed, and specifically included original research and review articles. Results: Data show improved optimal debulking rates, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline adherence, and overall survival rates in higher-volume, more specialized hospitals, and amongst higher-volume providers. Conclusions: Patients with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer, especially those with higher stages (III and IV), are better served by centralized care in high-volume hospitals and by high-volume physicians, who adhere to NCCN guidelines wherever possible. More research is needed to determine the policy changes that can increase NCCN guideline adherence in low-volume hospitals and low-provider caseload scenarios. Policy and future research should be aimed at increasing patient access, either directly or indirectly, to high-volume hospital and high-volume providers, especially amongst Medicare, lower socioeconomic status, and minority patients. © 2015, Society of Surgical Oncology.
Journal Title:	Annals of Surgical Oncology
Volume:	23
Issue:	3
ISSN:	1068-9265
Publisher:	Springer
Date Published:	2016-03-01
Start Page:	989
End Page:	993
Language:	English
DOI:	10.1245/s10434-015-4938-9
PROVIDER:	scopus
PUBMED:	26511267
PMCID:	PMC4830271
DOI/URL:	http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84957851198&partnerID=40&md5=a2b8eaaac33a9d81c248814cc51ed19d
Notes:	Review -- Export Date: 3 March 2016 -- Source: Scopus