Guzzinati S., Zorzi M., Rossi CR., Buja A., Italiano I., Fiore AR., Dal Cin A., Baracco M., Martin G., Rugge M.

ENCR scientific meeting

Copenaghen, 26-28 settembre 2018

 

Abstract

AIM
In 2016 the Veneto Region issued the care pathways for patients with melanoma. The Veneto Tumour Registry, in collaboration with the Veneto Oncology Network, started the high-resolution recording of melanoma for the 2013 incident cases. This study evaluates the use of cancer registry data to calculate indicators for care pathways monitoring.


METHODS
Information was collected on diagnostic procedures, tumour characteristics, surgical therapy, medical therapy and follow-up. The care pathways indicators that can be calculated using the regional administrative data were distinguished from those calculated only through registry data.


RESULTS
The high-resolution registry includes 403 melanomas diagnosed in 2013 in the provinces of Belluno, Padova and Rovigo (28% of the Veneto Region). Of these, 78% were diagnosed in stage I, 11% in stage II, 8% in stage III and 2% in stage IV, with a 3-year survival of 99.3%, 90.5%, 86.5% and 11.1%, respectively. Fifty-nine percent of cases showed vertical growth and 18% ulceration. A BRAF mutation was recorded in 21 out of 36 tested patients. Sentinel lymph-node biopsy (BLS) was performed in 34% and lymphadenectomy in 8% of cases, with positive lymph-nodes in 10%. Nine percent of patients performed medical treatment, of which 35% immunotherapy, 23% systemic chemotherapy, and 19% target therapy. Among the analysed care pathways indicators, BLS not performed if Breslow <0.8 mm without ulceration = 0%; more than 12 excised axillary lymphnodes = 76%; more than 6 inguinal lymphnodes = 80%; interval between biopsy and wide excision <60 days = 68%; evaluation of mutational status if stage IV = 58%; lymphadenectomy if BLS positive = 69%.


CONCLUSIONS
The quality of melanoma care before the introduction of care pathways was medium-high. The Cancer Registry was essential for calculating almost all the process indicators and made it possible to define the sources of information necessary for monitoring also the care pathways for other cancers within the Veneto Oncology Network.