Breast test ‘could prevent needless chemo’

Source: Nursing Times

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Date of publication: May 2011

Publication type: News story

In a nutshell: A new test – Oncotype DX – analyses a genetic sample taken from a patient’s tumour to see whether chemotherapy would be useful or not. The makers claim that thousands of breast cancer patients could be spared unnecessary chemotherapy. The test only works for those who have been newly diagnosed oestrogen-positive, node negative breast cancer.

Length of publication: Web page

Effect of Rising Chemotherapy Costs on the Cost Savings of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2009, 101 (20) p. 1412-1422

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Date of publication: September 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Although colorectal cancer screening is cost-effective, it requires a considerable net investment by governments or insurance companies. If screening was cost saving, governments and insurance companies might be more inclined to invest in colorectal cancer screening programs. We examined whether colorectal cancer screening would become cost saving with the widespread use of the newer, more expensive chemotherapies.

Length of publication: 10 pages

Acute cancer services should be provided in emergency care, says government advisory group

Source: British Medical Journal, 2009, 339:b3429

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Date of publication: August 2009

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: All hospitals with emergency departments should provide acute cancer services in a bid to improve the quality and safety of chemotherapy for patients with cancer, says a report from a government advisory group.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Improving the efficiency of a chemotherapy day unit: Applying a business approach to oncology

Source: European Journal of Cancer

For Abstract link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This article outlines how a business approach, which was adapted for healthcare, was successfully applied to improve the efficiency of a hospital-based chemotherapy day unit (CDU).

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article