Comprehensive Long-Term Care of Patients With Lung Cancer: Development of a Novel Thoracic Survivorship Program

This single institution study tracked outcomes of a unique lung cancer survivorship program facilitated by a nurse practitioner who was trained in survivorship care.  The nurse took over follow-up care of early stage patients who survived disease-free for more than 1 year.  92% of eligible pts received follow-up care by the nurse.  The program identified 72% of second primary cancers and 91% of cancer recurrences during scheduled follow-up CT scans.  The program appeared effective and achieved high patient acceptance, and was an alternative to physician-led follow-up.