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| Good Samaritan Oncologist Publishes Findings On Occurrence Of Second Primary Colorectal Cancers: Second Colorectal Cancer May Develop Despite Follow-Up Tests |
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The development of second colorectal cancers in patients with a previous history of colon cancer is high despite having regular colonoscopies after initial treatment, according to a recent finding published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Robert J. Green, MD, an oncologist at the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Institute at Good Samaritan Medical Center, along with six other researchers, published the results of their study on the incidence of second primary colorectal cancers in the February 19 issue of the journal.
Green and the other researchers found that the rate of second colorectal cancer, despite surveillance, was higher among patients with a history of colon cancer compared to those in the general population diagnosed with colon cancer for the first time.
"The take-home message is that physicians need to be aware that there is a significant rate of second [colon] cancers in people who have already had one colorectal cancer, despite our best efforts at screening," said Green, lead author of the paper.
"It's important to realize that this study is not saying that colonoscopy doesn't work, because in the general population it is the best and most effective tool we have for preventing colon cancer."
The study, which began in 1989, involved 3,278 colon cancer patients treated with both surgery and chemotherapy. Their cancer had not spread beyond the intestines or nearby lymph nodes.
The data collected from them over the period of the study was compared to the general U.S. population during this same time period. Data collected included any surveillance procedures that were done, when they were done, and whether or not a second primary colon cancer was detected.
Despite regular colonoscopies, the rate of second primary colon cancer remained higher in the group that had colon cancer than in the comparison groups. In addition, the new cancers cropped up as early as within 12 months after routine colonoscopies.
Green joined the Cancer Institute at Good Samaritan Medical Center in 1999. He is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology and has a master's degree in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics. |
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