Fast-track cancer pathway (DiLO Card) in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer: ”Early detection saves lives”

Abstract

Gastrointestinal malignancies, colorectal cancer in particular, come second in terms of incidence and mortality among all male and female neoplasms. Early detection guarantees good treatment outcomes. Endoscopy (colonoscopy) with biopsy and imaging (abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography), as well as biochemical markers should be included in the diagnostic process. Depending on the stage of colorectal cancer, combined treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, is used. Therefore, not only coordinated multidisciplinary treatment, but also prompt diagnosis is important. For this reason, a fast track to diagnose and treat cancer patients, known as the DILO card, was introduced in 2015. Both, medical case conferences, whose aim is to determine further diagnostic and, in particular, therapeutic steps, and coordinators, whose role in this case cannot be overestimated, play an important role in DILO implementation. The DILO card serves as a referral to outpatient cancer clinics and departments, as well as diagnostic laboratories. Properly functioning multidisciplinary medical case conferences and combined treatment approach are the basis for establishing Centres of Competence for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer.