PLCO ca screening RCT

Question 1

PLCO cancer screening RCT

- author, N

Answer 1

Effect of screening on ovarian cancer mortality (PLCO cancer screening RCT) 
Buys et al 
2011
RCT
N:78216, 10 centres

55-74 yo
Study groups: Annual screening (annual Ca125 for 6y and annual TVUS for 4y) VS usual care
13 years followup
Exclusion: hx of lung, colorectal or ovarian cancer

Question 2

outcomes: PCLO cancer screening RCT

Answer 2

Pri outcome:
Ovarian Ca- mortality (incl primary peritoneal or fallopian)
3.1 vs 2.6 / 10000 nil difference

Sec outcome:

• ovarian Ca incidence 5.7 vs 4.7/ 10000 no sig difference
• staging at detection
• survival
• adverse events of screening: bleed, faint, infection, bone injury

Question 3

Results: PCLO cancer screening

Answer 3

High rates false positive 5% from usual screening
> 15% at least 1 serious complication inc infection, Surg related heart/lung problems

Screening did not result in dec ovarian cancer mortality, does inc invasive procedures associated with harm, NOT effective

Potential harms of screening: Higher rates of oophorectomy in the screening group (7.7 vs 5.8%)