Sammanfattning
Long delays in lung cancer investigation and treatment are common and is a large problem. With a special programme, ”Fast track Karolinska”, an attempt was made to shorten these delays. A specialist evaluates all referrals the same day and in eligible patients, i e those where there can be a curative intent, a nurse books all visits and investigations (clinical investigation, bronchoscopy, PET-CT) in the various departments within a week, with a therapeutic discussion at the end of the week. Of the first 80 patients, we found 58 with lung cancer, of whom 37 were given treatment with curative aim, 3 with metastatic disease from some other malignancy, and two lymphomas. 36% of the patients required further investigations. The median time until first visit was 7 days, and the median investigation time 10 days, which was a considerable improvement. Thus, investigations can be made rapidly and well coordinated. We believe that a week is an optimal time for investigations; the patient has time to ”adapt psychologically”, something that should not be underestimated.