Search Results (13)

Objectives: In 2021, the German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) introduced minimum volume regulations (MVRs) for the surgical treatment of lung cancer with the aim of improving quality of care through centralization. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of this regulation on the development of lung cancer surgery in Germany. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis based on the AOK (medical insurance) minimum volume transparency lists (2024–2026) and certification data from the German Cancer Society (DKG). Primary endpoint was the development of hospital locations according to MVRs. Secondary endpoints included the number of operations, the number of DKG-certified lung cancer centers (LCs), and the percentage of procedures performed in DKG-certified LCs. Results: Nationwide, the number of hospital locations fell by 19.6% between January 2022 and June 2025 following the implementation of the MVRs, while the number of anatomical lung resections increased by 11.3%. The proportion of procedures performed at hospital locations with ≥75 operations per year (≙MVRs) increased from 42.3% to 82.2%. The number of DKG-certified LCs went up by 24.2% (62 to 77), and the percentage of resections performed there went from 56.6% to 69%. Lastly, 17.8% of hospital sites still got a billing permission, even though they did not meet the MVRs. Conclusions: Implementation of the MVRs was associated with substantial structural centralization of lung cancer surgery in Germany, characterized by fewer hospital sites (−19.6%), increased surgical volumes (+11.3%), and a growing proportion of care delivered in DKG-certified LCs (+24.2%). Full article

Local community populations (“survivors”) exposed to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster experienced complex exposures to mixtures of dust and combustion products with potential carcinogenic effects. Survivors with certifiable WTC-related conditions are eligible for inclusion in the federally funded WTC Health Program. We provide an updated description of cancers in the WTC Environmental Health Center (EHC), a program for WTC survivors, through 31 December 2024. Using data from the WTC EHC Pan Cancer Database, we summarized demographics, exposure history, and tumor characteristics among enrollees with pathologically confirmed primary cancers meeting WTC Health Program certification criteria. Among 17,449 members, 7274 had a certifiable cancer diagnosis; excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, 6588 patients with 7643 eligible cancers were analyzed. Women comprised 50.3% of the cohort and 47.5% of diagnoses. Solid tumors accounted for 87% of certifications, with breast (22%) and prostate (19%) cancers most frequent, followed by lung (8%), thyroid (6%), colorectal (6%), and melanoma (4.5%). Lymphoproliferative and hematopoietic malignancies represented 13% of cases. Fourteen percent developed multiple primary cancers, and median latency clustered around 14–16 years. Compared with our previous report in 2020, the enrolled number of cancers increased 2.5-fold. These findings support the need for sustained surveillance and additional epidemiologic studies to improve cancer prevention and survivorship in this uniquely exposed population. Full article

Background: Centralization and certification mark constant processes in everyday clinical routine. Despite the continuously rising number of certified pancreatic cancer (PAC) centers in recent years, fewer than 40% of PAC resections are still performed in certified institutions nationwide. The main objective of the certification is the enhancement of patient survival. Furthermore, certification is intended to improve structural quality, multidisciplinary cooperation, and the transparency of treatment pathways. In addition, it should have a positive effect on patient satisfaction. However, it requires the substantial effort of all partners involved. We aim to illustrate both advantages and limitations of the certification process. Methods: We analyzed perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing pancreatic resection for PAC (ICD C25) before and after our center’s first certification, and benchmarked these results against national data from the German Cancer Society. In addition, we analyzed quality of life (QoL) longitudinally using the validated QLQ-C30 questionnaire administered preoperatively and at 1, 4, and 18 months postoperatively. Results: The study cohort included 47 patients treated in the three years prior to certification and 130 patients during the subsequent seven years as a certified center. The mean annual number of PAC resections increased from 15 (ranged 14–18) to 19 (ranged 10–26). In-hospital mortality, length of stay, and rate of exploration-only procedures remained unchanged. Indicators of procedural quality, such as the number of harvested lymph nodes (p = 0.1485) and the precision of histopathological assessment, improved slightly but not significantly. QoL scores generally improved after discharge in both groups; however, functional scales and symptom measures demonstrated unexpectedly inferior values following certification, possibly reflecting higher case complexity. Conclusion: Achieving and maintaining certification requires substantial and continuous effort from all disciplines involved. While major improvements in morbidity, mortality, and long-term QoL were not observed, certification ensured clearer delegation of responsibilities, standardized documentation, and structured quality control. We therefore consider the certification process valuable for promoting multidisciplinary collaboration, maintaining high treatment volumes, and ensuring transparent oncological care pathways. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aims to analyze ESGO quality indicators for the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer patients at two gynecologic oncology departments in Slovenia and Croatia, providing insights for improving cancer care. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data to evaluate ESGO quality indicators for surgical treatment of endometrial cancer patients from 2020 to 2022. ESGO quality indicators were calculated, and the results were discussed to formulate suggestions for enhancing cancer care. Institutional review board approval was obtained for the analysis. Results: The analysis reveals that the Slovenian Department for Gynecology and Breast Oncology in Maribor achieved compliance with 24 out of 26 quality indicators, while the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Rijeka met 18 out of 26. The disparity may be partly attributed to Maribor’s status as an ESGO-accredited center in training since 2014, which facilitates more rapid updates in care practices. Conclusions: Based on our findings and epidemiological data, we recommend several actions to enhance cancer care in both countries: (a) advance initiatives for the centralization of care (2 to 3 centers in Slovenia and 5 to 6 in Croatia), (b) implement a national system for the prospective measurement of quality indicators, and (c) pursue center accreditation and gynecologist certification in subspecialty care by international societies such as ESGO, given the small size of both countries. Our results confirm that the analysis of ESGO quality indicators is a viable method for all stakeholders involved in enhancing cancer care. Full article

This umbrella review synthesizes international guidelines on the surgical management of rectal cancer to provide unified recommendations tailored to local healthcare organizations. This review emphasizes the importance of surgical centralization in high-volume centers, which maximizes outcomes, reduces morbidity, and increases survival rates. Minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopy and robotic surgery, are highlighted for their perioperative benefits, although careful patient selection and surgical expertise are required. Mechanical bowel preparation combined with oral antibiotics is recommended to effectively reduce complications, including surgical site infections and anastomotic leakage. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols have been shown to significantly improve postoperative recovery and reduce hospital stay duration. Comprehensive perioperative care, including venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and infection control, is essential for optimal patient outcomes. This review underscores the need for structured training, certification, and regular audits for advanced techniques such as robotic surgery and transanal total mesorectal excision. Implementation of a national database is recommended to support ongoing improvements in rectal cancer surgery. This review centralizes evidence-based recommendations to guide surgical decision-making and harmonize the multidisciplinary care for patients with rectal cancer. Full article

Background/Objectives: The certification of hospitals as colorectal cancer centers aims to improve treatment quality, but evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. This study evaluated the impact of certification on treatment outcomes for rectal cancer patients in Germany. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 14,905 patients with primary rectal cancer (UICC Stages I-III) treated at 271 hospitals. Treatment outcomes were compared between certified colorectal cancer centers (3624 patients in 55 hospitals) and non-certified hospitals (11,281 patients in 216 hospitals). Additionally, a subset analysis examined outcomes before and after certification within the same institutions. Results: Certified centers demonstrated higher utilization of preoperative imaging (endorectal ultrasound: 70.7% vs. 58.2%, p < 0.001; pelvic MRI: 39.1% vs. 28.5%, p < 0.001) and lower rates of intraoperative complications (4.6% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001). Surgical quality indicators, including M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. classification (Grade 1: 86.5% both groups, p = 0.620) and anastomotic leakage rates (11.3% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.407), were comparable between certified and non-certified hospitals. Despite treating patients with more favorable tumor stages, certified centers showed no significant advantage in 5-year overall survival (82.8% vs. 82.0%, p = 0.880) or 30-day mortality (2.6% both groups, p = 0.869). Hospital stays were marginally shorter in certified centers (19.46 vs. 20.24 days, p < 0.001). Conclusions: While certification was associated with improved adherence to diagnostic protocols and reduced intraoperative complications, it did not significantly impact surgical quality or long-term survival outcomes. These findings suggest that certification alone may not guarantee superior treatment quality, as hospitals participating in quality assurance programs achieved comparable results without formal certification. Full article

Introduction: The certification of oncological units as colorectal cancer centers (CrCCs) has been proposed to standardize oncological treatment and improve the outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The proportion of patients with CRC in Germany that are treated by a certified center is around 53%. Lately, the effect of certification on the treatment outcomes has been critically discussed. Aim: Our aim was to investigate the treatment outcomes in patients with rectal carcinoma at certified CrCCs, in German hospitals of different medical care levels. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective, multicentric database (AN Institute) of adult patients who underwent surgery for rectal carcinoma between 2002 and 2016. We included 563 patients from 13 hospitals of different medical care levels (basic, priority, and maximal care) over periods of 5 years before and after certification. Results: The certified CrCCs showed a significant increase in the use of laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer surgery (5% vs. 55%, p < 0.001). However, we observed a significantly prolonged mean duration of surgery in certified CrCCs (161 Min. vs. 192 Min., p < 0.001). The overall morbidity did not improve (32% vs. 38%, p = 0.174), but the appearance of postoperative stool fistulas decreased significantly in certified CrCCs (2% vs. 0%, p = 0.036). Concerning the overall in-hospital mortality, we registered a positive trend in certified centers during the five-year period after the certification (5% vs. 3%, p = 0.190). The length of preoperative hospitalization (preop. LOS) was shortened significantly (4.71 vs. 4.13 days, p < 0.001), while the overall length of in-hospital stays was also shorter in certified CrCCs (20.32 vs. 19.54 days, p = 0.065). We registered a clear advantage in detailed, high-quality histopathological examinations regarding the N, L, V, and M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. statuses. In the performed subgroup analysis, a significantly longer overall survival after certification was registered for maximal medical care units (p = 0.029) and in patients with UICC stage IV disease (p = 0.041). In patients with UICC stage III disease, we registered a slightly non-significant improvement in the disease-free survival (UICC III: p = 0.050). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate an improvement in terms of the treatment quality and outcomes in certified CrCCs, which is enforced by certification-specific aspects such as a more differentiated surgical approach, a lower rate of certain postoperative complications, and a multidisciplinary approach. Further prospective clinical trials are necessary to investigate the influence of certification in the treatment of CRC patients. Full article

(1) Background: The WiZen study is the largest study so far to analyze the effect of the certification of designated cancer centers on survival in Germany. This certification program is provided by the German Cancer Society (GCS) and represents one of the largest oncologic certification programs worldwide. Currently, about 50% of colorectal cancer patients in Germany are treated in certified centers. (2) Methods: All analyses are based on population-based clinical cancer registry data of 47.440 colorectal cancer (ICD-10-GM C18/C20) patients treated between 2009 and 2017. The primary outcome was 5-year overall survival (OAS) after treatment at certified cancer centers compared to treatment at other hospitals; the secondary endpoint was recurrence-free survival. Statistical methods included Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariable Cox regression. (3) Results: Treatment at certified hospitals was associated with significant advantages concerning 5-year overall survival (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89, 0.96, adjusted for a broad range of confounders) for colon cancer patients. Concentrating on UICC stage I–III patients, for whom curative treatment is possible, the survival benefit was even larger (colon cancer: HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84, 0.94; rectum cancer: HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84, 0.97). (4) Conclusions: These results encourage future efforts for further implementation of the certification program. Patients with colorectal cancer should preferably be directed to certified centers. Full article

Certification as a prostate cancer center requires the offer of several supportive measures to patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). However, it remains unclear how patients estimate the relevance of these measures and whether the availability of these measures differs between certified prostate cancer centers (CERTs) and non-certified centers (NCERTs). In 20 German urologic centers, a survey comprising questions on the relevance of 15 supportive measures was sent to 1000 patients at a median of 15 months after RP. Additionally, patients were asked to rate the availability of these measures using a four-item Likert scale. The aim of this study was to compare these ratings between CERTs and NCERTs. The response rate was 75.0%. In total, 480 patients underwent surgery in CERTs, and 270 in NCERTs. Patients rated 6/15 supportive measures as very relevant: preoperative medical counselling concerning treatment options, a preoperative briefing answering last questions, preoperative pelvic floor exercises (PFEs), postoperative PFEs, postoperative social support, and postoperative rehabilitation addressing physical fitness recovery. These ratings showed no significant difference between CERTs and NCERTs (p = 0.133–0.676). In addition, 4/9 of the remaining criteria were rated as more detailed by patients in CERTs. IMPROVE represents the first study worldwide to evaluate a patient-reported assessment of the supportive measures accompanying RP. Pertinent offers vary marginally between CERTs and NCERTs. Full article

Occupational lung cancer cases remain largely under-reported and under-compensated worldwide. In order to improve the detection and compensation of work-related lung cancers, we implemented a systematic screening of occupational exposures, combining a validated self-administered questionnaire to assess occupational exposures and a specialized occupational cancer consultation. After a pilot study, the present prospective, open-label, scale-up study aimed to assess this systematic screening of occupational exposures in lung cancer patients in five sites in France by associating university hospitals with cancer centers. Patients with lung cancer were sent a self-administered questionnaire to collect their job history and potential exposure to lung carcinogens. The questionnaire was assessed by a physician to determine if a specialized occupational cancer consultation was required. During the consultation, a physician assessed if the lung cancer was occupation-related and, if it was, delivered a medical certificate to claim for compensation. Patients were offered help from a social worker for the administrative procedure. Over 15 months, 1251 patients received the questionnaire and 462 returned it (37%). Among them, 176 patients (38.1%) were convened to the occupational cancer consultation and 150 patients attended the consultation. An exposure to occupational lung carcinogen was identified in 133 patients and a claim for compensation was judged possible for 90 patients. A medical certificate was delivered to 88 patients and 38 patients received compensation. Our national study demonstrated that a systematic screening of occupational exposures is feasible and will bring a significant contribution to improve the detection of occupational exposures in lung cancer patients. Full article

Background: Diabetes accounted for approximately 10% of all-cause mortality among those 20–79 years of age worldwide in 2019. In 1986–1989, Hispanics in the United States of America (USA) represented 6.9% of the national population with diabetes, and this proportion increased to 15.1% in 2010–2014. Recently published findings demonstrated the impact of attained education on amenable mortality attributable to diabetes among Non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) and Non-Hispanic Blacks (HNBs). Previous cohort studies have shown that low education is also a detrimental factor for diabetes mortality among the Hispanic population in the USA. However, the long-term impact of low education on diabetes mortality among Hispanics in the USA is yet to be determined. Aims and methods: The aim of this study was to measure the impact of achieving a 12th-grade education on amenable mortality due to diabetes among Hispanics in the USA from 1989 to 2018. We used a time-series designed to analyze death certificate data of Hispanic-classified men and women, aged 25 to 74 years, whose underlying cause of death was diabetes, between 1989 and 2018. Death certificate data from the USA National Center for Health Statistics was downloaded, as well as USA population estimates by age, sex, and ethnicity from the USA Census Bureau. The analyses were undertaken using JointPoint software and the Age–Period–Cohort Web Tool, both developed by the USA National Cancer Institute. Results: The analyses showed that between 1989 to 2018, age- and sex-standardized diabetes mortality rates among the least educated individuals were higher than those among the most educated individuals (both sexes together, p = 0.036; males, p = 0.053; females, p = 0.036). The difference between the least and most educated individuals became more pronounced in recent years, as shown by independent confidence intervals across the study period. Sex-based analyses revealed that the age-adjUSAted diabetes mortality rate had increased to a greater extent among the least educated males and females, respectively, than among the most educated. Conclusions: The results of the analyses demonstrated a powerful effect of low education on amenable mortality attributable to diabetes among the Hispanic population in the USA. As an increasing prevalence of diabetes among the least educated Hispanics has been reported, there is a great need to identify and implement effective preventive services, self-management, and quality care practices, that may assist in reducing the growing disparity among those most vulnerable, such as minority populations. Full article

In Minnesota, medical cannabis was approved for use in 2014. From July 2015 to February 2019, our center certified 103 pediatric and young adult patients for the use of medical cannabis under the qualifying conditions of cancer and treatment-related symptoms. Here, we provide a review of the literature on medical cannabis use in pediatric and young adult cancer patients. We also provide demographic data on our patients certified for medical cannabis. The most common diagnoses were leukemia/lymphoma (36%), brain tumors (37%), and malignant solid tumors (26%). The most common indications were chemotherapy-related nausea, pain, and cancer cachexia. The age range at certification was 1.4–28.7 years (median 15.3 years). The time from cancer diagnosis to certification ranged from 0.5–197 months (median 8.9 months). The majority (94%) were certified during their first line of treatment. In the 32 patients who died from recurrent or progressive cancer, the time from certification to death was 1.3–30.3 months (median 4.4 years). Despite requesting certification, a subset (24%) never had medical cannabis dispensed. In our experience, pediatric and young adult oncology patients are interested in medical cannabis to help manage treatment-related symptoms. Ongoing analysis of this data will identify the therapeutic efficacy of medical cannabis. Full article

Background: Since Taiwan launched the Cancer Prevention Act in 2003, several prevention strategies and early detection programs have been implemented to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality rates of cancer. However, most of the programs have concentrated on healthcare providers. Evaluations from the patient’s perspective have been lacking. Thus, in this study a cancer patient experience questionnaire was developed in the Taiwanese context and a preliminary nationwide investigation was conducted on the status of cancer care from the patient’s perspective. Methods: An extensive literature review was first conducted to collect information on the existing instruments used to measure the cancer patient’s experience. Thereafter, a multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to select an optimal instrument based on the IOM’s six domains for evaluating patient-centered care. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) translation procedure was applied to the questionnaire for cross-cultural adaptation. A nationwide field test was then implemented at certificated cancer care hospitals. Results: Fifteen questionnaires were collected for the literature review. The expert panel selected the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey based on the IOM’s recommendations. After cross-cultural translation of the questionnaire, a total of 4000 questionnaires were administered in 19 certificated cancer care hospitals and two major cancer patient associations, with 1010 being returned (25.25% response rate). Most of the respondents were middle-aged, and 70% were female. The respondents reported they had a good experience with cancer care, except for “Home care and support” and “Finding out what was wrong with you”. Stratified analysis was conducted, with the results showing that the cancer patients’ experiences varied depending on their sociodemographic and cancer-related characteristics. Conclusions: A Taiwanese version of the cancer patient experience survey questionnaire was developed. Its results showed that the cancer patient’s experiences varied, depending on the patient’s age, cancer type, and cancer history. This study can be used as a basis to establish a patient-centered care model for cancer care in Taiwan. Full article