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Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
[Less intensive follow-up after cancer is often equally effective]
Julien A M Vos1,2, Hidde Swartjes3, Dirk J Grünhagen4
1Amsterdam UMC, afd. Huisartsgeneeskunde, Amsterdam.
Abstract:
Follow-up after cancer consists of regular check-ups, aimed at the early detection of recurrences, and aftercare. For most cancers, intensive follow-up strategies are recommended. However, for several cancer types, including breast and colorectal cancer, reducing the follow-up frequency has had no detrimental effects on outcomes such as survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.05; 95%-BI: 0.96-1.14) and patient satisfaction. In cancers with a favorable prognosis, less intensive follow-up is likely to be equally effective, and can be personalized to individual needs. To do so, current follow-up guidelines must be critically reevaluated, and the benefits of performing regular check-ups should be investigated.
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