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Typical Time to Treatment of Patients With Lung Cancer in a Multisite, US-Based Study
Regina M Vidaver1, Marianna B Shershneva1, Scott J Hetzel1
1University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; and University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI.
Journal of Oncology Practice
|May 5, 2016
Summary
Lung cancer care delays are common, with a median of 52 days from initial presentation to treatment. Over a quarter of patients experienced delays, highlighting the need for improved timeliness metrics in cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Services Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Timely lung cancer care is crucial, yet indicators for measuring treatment timeliness are underdeveloped in the US.
- Understanding delays in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the timing of lung cancer care and identify factors contributing to delays.
- To compare treatment timeliness between two states with differing lung cancer incidence rates.
Main Methods:
- A phone-based interview study involving 275 patients with small-cell or non-small-cell lung cancer.
- Statistical analysis of patient-reported dates and qualitative analysis of extended care timelines.
Main Results:
- The median time from initial presentation to treatment was 52 days, with 29% of patients waiting 90 days or more.
- Key intervals included 36.5 days (abnormal radiograph to treatment) and 15 days (diagnosis to first therapy).
- Delays were perceived by over a quarter of patients; reasons included nodule monitoring and missed diagnoses. No significant inter-state differences were found.
Conclusions:
- The study establishes typical treatment timelines for lung cancer patients across diverse health systems.
- Findings can inform the development of metrics to assess and improve the timeliness of lung cancer care.
