Making the Case to Study the Volume-Outcome Relationship in Hematologic Cancers

Abstract

The positive relationship between the volume of health services (hospital and physician) and health-related outcomes is established in the complex surgical treatment of cancers and certain nononcologic medical conditions. However, this topic has not been systematically explored in the medical management of cancers. We summarize the limited current state of knowledge about the volume-outcome relationship in the management of hematologic cancers and provide reasons why further research on this subject is necessary. We highlight the relatively low annual volume of hematologic cancers in the United States, the increasing complexity of making a diagnosis due to constant change in classification and prognostication, the rapid availability of novel agents with unique mechanisms of action and toxicities, and the proliferation of treatment guidelines distinct to each disease subtype. We also discuss the potential implications pertaining to medical practice and trainee education, including effects on quality of care, access and referral patterns, and subspecialty training.