Methodology and reporting in studies of local recurrence after curative excision of the rectum for cancer
Date
2001
Authors
Dent, Owen
Chapuis, P
Bokey, E
Newland, R
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Abstract
Background: Widely varying rates have been reported in the extensive literature published in the English language on local recurrence after curative excision of rectal carcinoma. These variations may be attributable to differences in the case mix of pathological factors influencing recurrence, differences in surgical technique or expertise, differences in the administration of adjuvant therapy and various combinations of these. They may also arise from methodological differences among studies. Methods: This paper reviews the adequacy of methodology and reporting in 21 recent studies of local recurrence after curative resection of rectal cancer. Results: Many flaws in reporting and apparent inadequacies in methodology were identified. On an index of 26 criteria examined, eight studies scored no more than 8 and only three studies scored more than 11. Conclusion: To date, the value of reports of local recurrence rates following curative excision of rectal cancer has been limited by inadequacies in documentation and methodology. Suggestions are made for preferred procedures to be followed in the reporting of future studies.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: accuracy; article; cancer recurrence; cancer surgery; intermethod comparison; meta analysis; priority journal; rectum carcinoma; rectum resection; Clinical Trials; Data Collection; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Prospective Studies
Citation
Collections
Source
British Journal of Surgery
Type
Journal article