
"I was delighted to take part in a clinical trial as it has the potential to really help others in the future.”
This study looked at the follow up process for people who have had treatment for soft tissue sarcoma.
After you have finished a course of cancer treatment, you will see your specialist team regularly so they can see how you are getting on. We know from research that there is a wide difference between hospitals in how they organise follow up care for people with soft tissue sarcoma. For example, how often people have to go back to see their specialist team and the type of tests and scans (investigations) they have at these visits.
There are guidelines for this type of follow up that are based on what specialists have agreed. But they have not yet been tested to see what really works best. Some people find it comforting to have regular follow up appointments. But it makes others anxious. We also do not yet know what people expect in terms of follow up care after treatment to try and cure their sarcoma.
The aims of this study were to look at what people expect and what they find acceptable for follow up care.
The study found that most people preferred to have a chest X-ray and see a specialist as part of their follow up care.
133 people from the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham took part. Everyone completed questionnaires that asked about their follow up care.
The researchers look at the results of the questionnaires. They found that
The researchers concluded that having clear and consistent follow up care guidelines for people with soft tissue sarcoma is important. They say that having the patient’s preferences for follow up is helpful. They suggest that the type of follow up patients expect and find acceptable should be considered alongside current guidelines for this group of people.
We have based this summary on information from the research team. The information they sent us has been reviewed by independent specialists () and published in a medical journal. The figures we quote above were provided by the research team. We have not analysed the data ourselves.
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Professor Robert Grimer
NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme
NIHR Clinical Research Network: Cancer
The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
"I was delighted to take part in a clinical trial as it has the potential to really help others in the future.”