Background: The care of lung cancer patients in Germany has not been systematically evaluated yet. The aim of this article is to give an overview on the current state of lung cancer care on the basis of existing data.
Methods: In April and May 2010, a literature search was performed in order to collect relevant information concerning epidemiology as well as diagnostic, therapeutic (systemic therapy, radiotherapy, surgery, palliative therapy), and interdisciplinary structures in lung cancer treatment.
Results: The published database on lung cancer care in Germany is overall deficient. Treatment of lung cancer patients is mainly located in hospitals, particularly in chest clinics or specialised departments. The access of hospitals for an outpatient treatment as provided per § 116 b SGB V has not yet been realised in all German states.
Conclusions: A systematic and prospective evaluation of lung cancer care is necessary in order to better allocate resources in the future.
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.