Primary breast cancer therapy in six regions of Germany

Studies from six regions of Germany (Aachen (W1), Dresden (E1), Jena (E2), Marburg (W2), Munich (W3), and Stuttgart (C1)) have been compared to verify and assess the quality of healthcare using breast cancer as an example. All of the data collection was carried out in comprehensive cancer centres and is population-based, with the exception of C1. Classic prognostic factors and the initial treatment of 8661 women with breast cancer, diagnosed between 1996 and 1998, were examined. Primary therapy, breast conserving therapy (BCT), and the use of subsequent local radiation and/or systemic therapy (chemotherapy or hormonal therapy) were analysed. BCT was performed on 39.3–57.7% of patients. By pT-category, the proportion of BCT in the six regions were as follows: for pTis between 37.8 and 64.3%, for pT1 between 51.7 and 71.5%, for pT2 between 25.9 and 51.1%, for pT3 between 0 and 13.1% and for pT4 between 0 and 15.2%. Multivariate analyses, adjusted for age and biological factors, showed a significant influence of the treating hospital on the mastectomy rate. The use of radiotherapy after BCT (80%) was quite homogeneous in the six regions. The application of radiotherapy after mastectomy, however, varied between 10.4 and 32.2%. In all regions, for premenopausal patients, the use of adjuvant systemic therapy almost reflected the St. Gallen-Consensus recommendations. In contrast, post-menopausal women with positive lymph nodes were not always treated according to these standards. In all regions, age had an influence on the administration of treatment: elderly breast cancer patients received less BCT, less radiotherapy and less adjuvant therapy than recommended in the St. Gallen-Consensus. Feedback of the results was made available to each hospital, providing a comparative summary of patient care that could be used by the participating hospitals for self-assessment and quality-control.