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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 5 of 5 Research Studies DisplayedHerb JN, Ollila DW, Stitzenberg KB
Use and costs of sentinel lymph node biopsy in non-ulcerated T1b melanoma: analysis of a population-based registry.
This study looked at the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for non-ulcerated T1b melanoma. The aim of the study was to estimate SLNB use, positivity, prevalence, and procedural costs in patients with non-ulcerated T1b melanoma using a population-based registry. Patients with clinically node-negative, non-ulcerated T1b melanoma were identified in the SEER database from 2010 to 2016. Among 7245 included patients, 53% underwent SLNB of which 156 (4.1%) had a positive SLNB. Higher odds of positivity were associated with younger age, >1 mitosis per mm2, female sex, and truncal tumor location. Estimated SLNB costs to identify one patient with Stage II disease was $71,700. Out-of-pocket expenses for a Medicare patient was estimated to be $652 for a wide local excision (WLE) and SLNB and $79 for WLE alone.
AHRQ-funded; HS000032.
Citation: Herb JN, Ollila DW, Stitzenberg KB .
Use and costs of sentinel lymph node biopsy in non-ulcerated T1b melanoma: analysis of a population-based registry.
Ann Surg Oncol 2021 Jul;28(7):3470-78. doi: 10.1245/s10434-021-09998-6..
Keywords: Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Surgery, Healthcare Costs, Skin Conditions
Montgomery KB, Holder AM, Burgan CM
Is it time for synoptic reporting in melanoma nodal surveillance ultrasonography?
Previous qualitative research has identified a potential gap between surgeons’ and radiologists’ awareness of Second Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial (MSLT-II) criteria. The purpose of this study was to explore how these criteria have been adopted and reported outside of clinical trial settings or utilized by surgical teams when interpreting ultrasound results. The study found that of the 269 nodal ultrasounds performed in 78 patients, 81.0% reported normal findings versus 19% abnormal findings. Researchers indicated that only 15% of normal ultrasounds had one or more MSLT-II criteria reported versus 88.9% abnormal ultrasounds. While 37% of abnormal ultrasounds had only one MSLT-II criterion reported, 27.8% had two criteria and 24.1% had three criteria. Of the eight abnormal ultrasounds with biopsy recommendation, 75% had two or more MSLT-II criteria reported. Clinically actionable recommendations were provided in 94.9% of normal ultrasounds compared with 64.8% of abnormal ultrasounds.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Montgomery KB, Holder AM, Burgan CM .
Is it time for synoptic reporting in melanoma nodal surveillance ultrasonography?
Ann Surg Oncol 2023 Sep; 30(9):5327-28. doi: 10.1245/s10434-023-13749-0..
Keywords: Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Skin Conditions, Imaging
Silverberg JI
Association between adult atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular disease, and increased heart attacks in three population-based studies.
The authors sought to determine whether adult eczema is associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. They concluded that adults with atopic dermatitis may have increased cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
AHRQ-funded; HS023011.
Citation: Silverberg JI .
Association between adult atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular disease, and increased heart attacks in three population-based studies.
Allergy 2015 Oct;70(10):1300-8. doi: 10.1111/all.12685.
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Keywords: Cardiovascular Conditions, Heart Disease and Health, Cancer: Skin Cancer
Huo J, Du XL, Lairson DR
Utilization of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hospice at the end of life for patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.
The authors examined the patterns of utilization of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and hospice at the end-of-life care for patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. They found that surgery and hospice care use increased over the 8 years of this study, whereas the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy remained consistent for patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.
AHRQ-funded; HS018956.
Citation: Huo J, Du XL, Lairson DR .
Utilization of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hospice at the end of life for patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.
Am J Clin Oncol 2015 Jun;38(3):235-41. doi: 10.1097/COC.0b013e31829378f9.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Skin Cancer, Treatments, Elderly, Healthcare Utilization, Palliative Care, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Surgery
Huo J, Lairson DR, Du XL
Survival and cost-effectiveness of hospice care for metastatic melanoma patients.
The authors analyzed the association of hospice use with survival and health care costs among patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. They found that the median survival time was 6.1 months for patients with no hospice care, 6.5 months for patients enrolled in hospice for 1 to 3 days, and 10.2 months for patients enrolled for 4 or more days. Patients with 4 or more days of hospice care incurred lower end-of-life costs than the comparison groups.
AHRQ-funded; HS018956.
Citation: Huo J, Lairson DR, Du XL .
Survival and cost-effectiveness of hospice care for metastatic melanoma patients.
Am J Manag Care 2014 May;20(5):366-73.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Skin Cancer, Healthcare Costs, Palliative Care, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research