Does Specialized Care Improve Ovarian Cancer Outcomes?

In Holland, mortality was substantially lower when early disease was treated in specialized centers.

Previous studies have indicated that women with ovarian cancer survive longer when care is provided at specialized rather than general hospitals. To assess disease-specific survival by type of hospital providing treatment, investigators conducted a retrospective cohort study linking Netherlands Cancer Registry data for 8621 Dutch women diagnosed with ovarian cancer from 1996 through 2003 to national mortality data. The authors defined specialized hospitals (13) as regional gynecologic cancer centers — often teaching hospitals — where care is provided by gynecologic oncologists. Semispecialized hospitals (32) were defined as large community hospitals in which initial ovarian cancer surgery is performed by gynecologists who routinely operate …

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health