Outcome Quality After Colorectal Cancer Resection in Certified Colorectal Cancer Centers—Patient-Reported and...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Outcomes
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Observational study on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and clinical parameters in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients 12 months post-treatment.
• Comparison of outcomes across German Certified Colorectal Cancer Centres.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient-reported outcomes and clinical parameters 12 months after initiating CRC treatment.
• To compare outcomes between different certified CRC centers.

Main Methods:

• Data from 4239 CRC patients undergoing elective tumor resection, using EORTC QLQ-C30 and -CR29 questionnaires.
• Analysis of 3142 patients who completed follow-up questionnaires 12 months later.
• Correlation analyses and case-mix adjusted comparisons for PROs, anastomotic insufficiency, and 30-day mortality.

Main Results:

• Mild improvements in quality-of-life scores and constipation; worsening in physical function and pain.
• Better PROs linked to pre-treatment scores, male sex, higher education, older age, and private insurance.
• Higher rates of anastomotic insufficiency in rectal cancer patients; 1.9% 30-day mortality.

Conclusions:

• Findings help clinicians identify patients at risk for poorer PROs.
• Significant differences among centers suggest a need for quality improvement initiatives in CRC care.