Follow-up strategies following completion of primary cancer treatment in adult cancer survivors.

Abstract

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: Main objective Our main objective is to compare different follow-up strategies with standard follow-up in adult cancer survivors following the completion of primary cancer treatment, with respect to overall survival, time-to-detection of recurrence, patient-reported outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and possible adverse events. Due to the wide range of comparisons possible in such studies, we define standard follow-up as the more comprehensive treatment of the two groups in a given trial, e.g. the treatment that is specialist-led, has more frequently scheduled visits, or contains more surveillance components per visit (i.e. is more intensive). Secondary objectives: If possible, we will specifically explore the effectiveness of the following types of follow-up strategies: alternative follow-up (e.g. General Practitioner (GP)-led, nurse-led, patient-initiated, or shared-care) compared to specialist (physician)-led follow-up; minimal compared to intensive follow-up; less frequent follow-up appointments compared to more frequent appointments.