Basically, the guidelines are flow charts showing evidence-based, therapeutic options at each stage of treatment. Besides such traditional treatments as chemotherapy, radiationand surgery, the guidelines include bone marrow transplantation, the use of new medicines being tried in experimental programs, psychosocial support, psychiatric treatment and home care. A simple example of where the guidelines are useful is in the treatment of lung cancer. There is general agreement that chemotherapy is most often the initial treatment of choice for advanced lung cancer. The guidelines specify options, including further chemotherapy and new, experimental medicines.
Similar situations exist with all seven of the cancers considered in the guidelines.
Physicians get evidence-based guidelines produced by experts integrating clinical research into everyday practice, and providing a realistic structure for cancer care. Managed care groups can determine what resources to set aside for the care of their patient populations. They will be able to work with doctors who agree to follow the guidelines, thereby maximizing the groups' ability to estimate resources they will need, while simultaneously assuring good care for their patients.