OUTCOME STUDIES
Outcome studies are necessary to determine the effectiveness of treatment and the severity and number of complications associated with cancer treatment. To perform an outcome study, it is necessary to see patients periodically in clinic after they complete treatment, when possible, and to obtain follow-up information on patients who are no longer able to come in for check-ups. Patients with various types of cancer have their records updated periodically at the University of Florida. Data from these records are analyzed to find out what treatments have been effective as well as those that are less than optimal so that our treatment techniques can be improved.
Outcome studies have been performed annually by all of the faculty and residents in Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Florida since approximately 1970. During the Department's annual research seminar in the spring, the results of these studies are presented to visiting radiation oncologists and others from all over Florida and other parts of the country.
Many times these studies are also presented at national or international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.
