Association between treatment facility volume, therapy types and overall surviva

Gavin,

Thanks as ever for posting the latest research.

I had commented on this study when it was reported at the last ASCO meeting and will do so again, as the findings are critically important.

This study examines treatment outcomes for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who were seen in different types of facilities.  Patients fared less well in terms of overall survival if they received their care in community medical facilities with less experience treating this rare cancer.  The most stunning statistic in the study for me is that patients being treated at major cancer hospitals with a high volume of cholangiocarcinoma patients, (namely, experienced with this cancer) were almost three times (34.6% vs. 13.1%) more likely to be sent for surgery than patients being treated in medical facilities seeing a low volume of iCCA patients.  They were also more likely to have adjuvant treatment after surgery.

These results underscore the importance of consulting with experienced medical providers as you seek treatment for cholangiocarcinoma.

Regards, Mary