Type of publication:
Conference abstract
Author(s):
Barton P.W.J.; *McAdam J.; James T.; Gomez S.; Morley J.; Dalrymple P.; Smith C.; Ivey S.
Citation:
Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Conference: 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer. Barcelona Spain. 20(10 Supplement 1) (pp S873), 2025. Date of Publication: 01 Oct 2025.
Abstract:
Introduction: Our aim is to look at surgical follow-up protocols in different UK trusts to critically review and see if follow up varies postsurgical patient with lung cancer. Method(s): A literature review around this topic was conducted to establish if there was an evidence based approach. We collected follow up protocols from 10 trusts in the UK and applied 6 questions to each to allow us to compare the results. Responses were collated, compared and interpreted by the authors. Result(s): Our literature review highlighted there is limited evidence to support how lung cancer patients should be followed up post-surgery. Overall, the literature supports CT based imaging although no specific period is supported. From the protocols reviewed there were common themes identified. Post-surgical follow-up was predominantly nurse led, face to face appointments or mixed with virtual were more common. Frequency of follow-up varied between 3 and 8 months, but apart from one site was consistently over 5 years. Similarly, radiology modality predominantly used CT scan either solely or mixed with chest x-rays. Only one site only used chest x-rays to follow up patients Conclusion(s): Both the literature review and critical review of protocols highlight that further research would be beneficial, looking at a wider population of protocols could help encourage a more standardised approach across the UK to ensure optimum care for patients.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2025.09.1695
