Systematic review with meta-analysis of over 90 000 patients. Does fast-track review diagnose colorectal cancer earlier?

Ella MozdiakYonas WeldeselassieMichael McFarlaneMaria TabusoMonika M WidlakAmber DunlopAlexander TsertsvadzeRamesh Pulendran Arasaradnam

Published in: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (2019)

Only 7.7% of patients referred by the 2-week wait pathway were found to have CRC. No beneficial effect on stage at diagnosis was found compared to non-2-week wait referral pathways. Over half of patients had no colonic pathology and detection of adenomas was very low. These results should prompt a reconsideration of the benefits of the 2-week wait pathway in CRC diagnosis and outcomes, with more focus on strategies to improve patient selection.

Keyphrases

end stage renal disease
newly diagnosed
ejection fraction
prognostic factors
primary care
type diabetes
adipose tissue
quantum dots
patient reported
placebo controlled