The rate of surveillance imaging of survivors of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) decreased after the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Choosing Wisely campaign, according to a recent study in JCO Oncology Practice (2020;OP2000362. doi:10.1200/OP.20.00362).
The ASH Choosing Wisely campaign was launched in 2013 to limit surveillance imaging in aggressive lymphoma.
“We studied surveillance imaging practice patterns for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) before and after the ASH Choosing Wisely campaign,” wrote Urshila Durani, MD, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) and colleagues.
Researchers used a national insurance claims database to retrospectively study the number of imaging studies in survivors of DLBCL from 2008 to 2016. Median follow-up was in 2 years.
Imaging remained stable between 2008 to 2014 but decreased in 2015-2016. A significant decrease in scan overuse was observed in 2012.
“Our study demonstrated the rate of surveillance scans—both computed tomography and positron emission tomography imaging—in DLBCL decreased after the ASH Choosing Wisely campaign,” concluded Dr Durani and colleagues.
“Multiple factors, such as changes in recommendations, reimbursement, and provider knowledge base, may have all contributed and should be studied further.”—Lisa Kuhns
