Expert surrogate system. A new approach in clinical research in cervical carcinoma

This study reports on the result of a detailed questionnaire given to a group of disinterested experts (Gynaecologists in this case), asking what type of treatment they would choose for themselves, between Radical Radiotherapy and Wertheim's Hysterectomy, if they themselves happened to be patients with Carcinoma of the Cervix Stage Ib (Non bulky). Out of 90 gynaecologists who were given the questionnaire, 71 had returned it duly filled in thirty eight out of seventy one (53.5%) of the gynaecologists had opted for radical radiotherapy while 33/71 (46.5%) had opted for Wertheim's hysterectomy. The questionnaire elicits details of the gynaecologists' experience after postgraduate qualification, their institution of work, the existing facilities for cervical carcinoma cervix management in their hospitals and other details. The influence of the above factors in their choice was noted. Seventy one point eight per cent (51/71) of gynaecologists had felt that very few cervix carcinoma patients were referred back to them for re-evaluation after radiotherapy. The role of experience after post graduation and institution of work were also discussed.