With a Tiny Bit of Cancer, Debate on How to Proceed

The New York Times reported that oncologists are able to catch more lymph node abnormalities than ever thanks to sophisticated and sensitive lymph node biopsies. What seems like a medical advantage—the ability to catch even the slightest hint of cancer—is actually causing more problems for oncologists who are unsure of what to do with the micrometastastic diagnoses they are making.

Currently no standards of care exist for the diagnosis of micrometastases—wisps of tumors too small to be considered full-fledged metastases. This means that oncologists are navigating through murky waters filled with an abundance of treatment decisions and options while worrying whether a treatment of these minute clusters of cancerous cells will benefit the patient in the long term.

Independent Review Organizations come into the equation here. With the combination of emerging standards of care and ever-advancing screenings, diagnoses and treatments, making the correct and informed decision to best benefit a patient is especially important, requiring demanding research and thorough knowledge. An IRO offers the knowledge of a specialist to help payers make the best decision for patient care.

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Medical Collaboration and Cancer Networking

Last week cancer researchers announced plans to create a giant database designed to allow oncologists and scientists to share vital information. Rutgers University, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) and IBM are building a computer system allowing doctors and researchers around the globe to tap into the most current developments in cancer treatment and research. The researchers see it as a tool to help doctors tailor the best possible treatments for patients. It also gives researchers the ability to follow the successes and shortcomings of earlier research.

The full story is in Scientific American.