Nedaplatin: a cisplatin derivative in cancer chemotherapy

Blogger's Note: read/search full text for reference to ovarian cancer

open access

Abstract: Nedaplatin ( tradename Aqupla), a cisplatin analog, has been developed to decrease the toxicities induced by cisplatin, such as nephrotoxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity. The dose of nedaplatin is determined by body surface area, not by the area under the curve (AUC). The recommended therapeutic dose is 80–100 mg/m², although the pharmacokinetic profile of nedaplatin is similar to that of carboplatin. In our preliminary study, there was a favorable correlation between AUC and creatinine clearance (CL), suggesting that renal function should be considered when nedaplatin is administered. ......... Several Phase II studies have suggested that nedaplatin might be a useful second analog, especially for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, esophageal cancer, uterine cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, or urothelial cancer. Further, nedaplatin was reported to be a useful chemotherapeutic agent with radiosensitizing properties; however, there is no Phase III study of nedaplatin, neither with chemotherapy nor with concurrent chemoradiotherapy, because nedaplatin is not commonly used throughout the world. Further evaluation in a randomized controlled trial is warranted to demonstrate definitively the activity of nedaplatin..........

media: Pharmacy assistant who found diluted cancer drugs says label raised questions

media

 TORONTO - An Ontario pharmacy assistant who discovered that chemotherapy drugs administered to more than 1,200 cancer patients in Ontario and New Brunswick were diluted says he doesn't consider himself a hero.
"It's just part of the process, it's part of our job, and it just happens that this check that we made had a broader impact than we certainly would have anticipated," Craig Woudsma, 28, said Tuesday.
"But definitely not a hero, no."
The pharmacy team in the small Peterborough hospital that caught the problem didn't want to go public with their story initially, according to hospital officials.
"We're not looking for glory or anything like that," Woudsma told an Ontario legislative committee that's investigating the drug scare.
"What we do is kind of the same thing day in and day out, and we're there for the patients. We didn't want to add to the spectacle that it kind of became.".......

Study Shows Protein Complex May Play Role In Preventing Many Forms Of Cancer

news

"......The researchers combined biochemical experiments with the data mining of 44 pre-existing studies to come to their conclusions, which would not have been possible without the advent of highly accurate, genome-wide DNA sequencing of individual human tumor samples. Interestingly, mutations to certain subunits, or particular combinations of mutations in the complex's many subunits, seem to herald the development of specific types of cancer - favoring the development of ovarian versus colon cancer, for example.

The importance of the BAF complex as a tumor suppressor is further emphasized by the fact that, in some cases, a mutation in one subunit is sufficient to initiate cancer development......

PA

Stanford University Medical Center. (2013, May 8). "Study Shows Protein Complex May Play Role In Preventing Many Forms Of Cancer." Medical News Today. Retrieved from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/260128.php

Germline BRCA Mutations Are Associated With Higher Risk of Nodal Involvement, Distant Metastasis, and Poor Survival Outcomes in Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Purpose To analyze the baseline clinicopathologic characteristics of prostate tumors with germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutations and the prognostic value of those mutations on prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes.

Patients and Methods This study analyzed the tumor features and outcomes of 2,019 patients with PCa (18 BRCA1 carriers, 61 BRCA2 carriers, and 1,940 noncarriers). The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the associations between BRCA1/2 status and other PCa prognostic factors with overall survival (OS), cause-specific OS (CSS), CSS in localized PCa (CSS_M₀), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and CSS from metastasis (CSS_M₁).

Results PCa with germline BRCA1/2 mutations were more frequently associated with Gleason ≥ 8 (P = .00003), T3/T4 stage (P = .003), nodal involvement (P = .00005), and metastases at diagnosis (P = .005) than PCa in noncarriers. CSS was significantly longer in noncarriers than in carriers (15.7 v 8.6 years, multivariable analyses [MVA] P = .015; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.8). For localized PCa, 5-year CSS and MFS were significantly higher in noncarriers (96% v 82%; MVA P = .01; HR = 2.6%; and 93% v 77%; MVA P = .009; HR = 2.7, respectively). Subgroup analyses confirmed the poor outcomes in BRCA2 patients, whereas the role of BRCA1 was not well defined due to the limited size and follow-up in this subgroup.

Conclusion Our results confirm that BRCA1/2 mutations confer a more aggressive PCa phenotype with a higher probability of nodal involvement and distant metastasis. BRCA mutations are associated with poor survival outcomes and this should be considered for tailoring clinical management of these patients.

Research and Practice - Early stage epithelial ovarian cancers: A study of morphologic prognostic factors (Turkey)

Abstract

Purchase $31.50

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We intended to reevaluate the morphologic prognostic factors for early-stage ovarian carcinomas. We reviewed 111 patients diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer who had undergone primary surgery at Hacettepe Hospital (Turkey) between 1984 and 2001, using diagnostic criteria from the WHO-2003 classification. We applied the Universal grading system suggested by Shimizu/Silverberg and noted FIGO-stage, histotype, tumor size, bilaterality, and endometriosis. These features were compared with each other and survival. The survival analysis was carried out by Kaplan–Meier curves. Of the cases, 52 were reclassified as ‘borderline tumor’ or ‘cystadenoma with borderline foci’ and 59 as ‘invasive carcinoma’. FIGO-stage and mitotic count were significant for survivals of 59 patients with cancer. Mitotic index was also significant for the probability of metastasis. The patients with stage-II cancer had 5.65 times more risk of recurrence than stage-I cancer. The 5-year overall and disease-free survivals rates were 90.6% and 87.5% for stage-I, 54.7% and 39.3% for stage-II, respectively. Universal grade did not reach statistical significance for survivals but it was related to FIGO-stage significantly. In conclusion, FIGO-stage is the most reliable prognosticator. Although prognostic value of universal grade is not significant, mitotic count may provide important prognostic information for early-stage ovarian carcinomas.

Are bilateral breast cancers different from breast cancers coexisting with ovarian cancer?(BRCA....)

Abstract

Are bilateral breast cancers different from breast cancers coexisting with ovarian cancer? An immunohistochemical analysis aimed at intrinsic tumor phenotype.

RATIONALE: 

Bilateral breast cancers (BBC) and breast cancers coexisting with ovarian cancer (BOCS) are associated with genetic predisposition more frequently than sporadic cases. We compared the phenotypes of these tumors to better understand their pathomechanisms and aid the guiding of their clinical management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Tumor morphology and expression of ER, PgR, HER2, Ki67, CK5/6, E-cadherin, vimentin and EGFR were assessed in a tissue microarray containing cores from 174 BBC, 23 BOCS and 2 BBC + BOCS.

RESULTS:

BOCS tumors were characterized by higher incidence of EGFR expression, HER2 negativity and lower incidence of intraductal component. HER2-positive phenotypes were marginally more frequent in the BBC group and triple negative tumors - in BOCS.

CONCLUSION:

Breast cancers from BOCS patients are characterized by more aggressive phenotype, most probably related to their more frequent association with BRCA1 mutation.

Targeting Signaling Pathways in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Download PDF Full-Text 

uploaded 2 May 2013 

 

Abstract: Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. Response to platinum-based chemotherapy is poor in some patients and, thus, current research is focusing on new therapy options. The various histological types of OC are characterized by distinctive molecular genetic alterations that are relevant for ovarian tumorigenesis. The understanding of these molecular pathways is essential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. 

Purpose: We want to give an overview on the molecular genetic changes of the histopathological types of OC and their role as putative therapeutic targets.  

In Depth Review of Existing Data: In 2012, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, bevacizumab, was approved for OC treatment. Bevacizumab has shown promising results as single agent and in combination with conventional chemotherapy, but its target is not distinctive when analyzed before treatment. At present, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and components of the EGFR pathway are in the focus of clinical research. Interestingly, some phytochemical substances show good synergistic effects when used in combination with chemotherapy. 

Conclusion: Ongoing studies of targeted agents in conjunction with chemotherapy will show whether there are alternative options to bevacizumab available for OC patients. Novel targets which can be assessed before therapy to predict efficacy are needed. The assessment of therapeutic targets is continuously improved by molecular pathological analyses on tumor tissue. A careful selection of patients for personalized treatment will help to reduce putative side effects and toxicity.

The contribution of catumaxomab in the treatment of malignant ascites in patients with ovarian cancer: a review of the literature

Abstract
 

"The approval of the first specific drug catumaxomab (trade name Removab) for the treatment of malignant ascites is the subject of this review. This trifunctional antibody is known to kill EpCAM-positive tumor cells and therefore attacks the primary cause of malignant ascites formation in the peritoneal cavity. Until today catumaxomab is the only EpCam-targeted antibody approved by the European Medicines Agency. Ovarian cancer is caused by epithelial tumors cells which overexpress epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). The existing literature concerning the use of catumaxomab for the treatment of malignant ascites associated with ovarian cancer until today is reported in this article. It is very encouraging that different prospective studies from diverse scientific teams recently presented positive results concerning the efficacy and the safety of catumaxomab in the treatment of malignant ascites in patients with ovarian cancer. A case of a patient with ovarian cancer FIGO IIIc is also referred in this article. A complete remission and stable disease was found after 4 i.p. infusions of catumaxomab."

References

Metastasis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Metastasis

Routes of metastasis

Metastasis occurs by following four routes:

1. Transcoelomic

2. Lymphatic spread

3. Haematogenous spread

4. Transplantation or implantation

 

Mediastinal involvement in ovarian cancer

case report - abstract

Learning points

• Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological malignancy, being the leading cause of gynaecological cancer-related mortality.
• Lymphatic spread and direct peritoneal tumour seeding are the most common metastatic routes of ovarian cancer.
• Mediastinal involvement is rare in patients with ovarian cancer, yet possible. Mediastinal involvement is associated with advanced disease stage and poor prognosis. 
  
  

  Description

  A 57-year-old woman was diagnosed with serous papillary ovarian adenocarcinoma, for which she underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and appendectomy (omentum, appendix and other organs other than left ovary were grossly normal). CT scan of the chest was done, which showed prevascular lymph node measuring up to 4.5 cm (figure 1). The lymph node was biopsied, which stained positive for cytokeratin 7 and Wilms tumor gene product (WT)-1, which consistent with metastatic ovarian adenocarcinoma..........
  
  

Case Reports - Two cases of primary ovarian neuroblastoma arising from mature cystic teratomas

open access article

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Highlights

•

Primary ovarian neuroblastomas are extremely rare and have poor prognoses.

•

This report provides results of the same combination therapy in two cases, which indicated its efficacy for ovarian neuroblasoma.(Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid cancer in childhood and the most common cancer in infancy...)

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Introduction

Neuroblastoma accounts for approximately 8-10% of all tumors in children aged 15 years, and the incidence of neuroblastomas 1 in 7000 in the United States.

Neuroblastoma treatment is based on the clinical stage and categories. Surgery and/or chemotherapy are recommended. Most infants with disseminated disease have a favorable outcome after chemotherapy and surgery, while the majority of children aged > 18 months, who have advanced neuroblastoma, die of progressive disease despite intensive multimodality therapy.

Neuroblastomas develop from neural crest cells, and their anatomical locations are essentially the adrenal glands and paraspinal sites. Only a few reports of primary ovarian neuroblastomahave been reported worldwide.　Although it is commonly known that malignancy occurs in 0.3–4.8% of mature cystic teratomas of the ovary [1],neurobalstomas arising from mature cystic teratomas　are extremely rare, as we found only 4 cases published in the literature since 1982^{[2] and [5]}. Almost all ovarian neuroblastomas have very poor prognoses; however, we performed intensive treatment with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy and found no occurrence of relapse in two cases. Particularly, case 1 achieved complete remission for > 13 years in spite of multiple metastases.

Case Reports

Case1

A 22-year-old Japanese woman presented with difficulty in walking and numbness of her right thigh. It was revealed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that she had aparavertebral tumor from the first to third lumbar vertebrae (Fig.1A).A computed tomography (CT) scan showed bilateral ovarian tumors (Fig.1B)...............

Electronic Health (Medical) Records – Still not good enough - HealthBlog - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

MSDN Blogs

Simultaneous Muir-Torre and Turcot's syndrome: A case report and review of the literature (Lynch Syndrome/MSH2/6;MLH1)

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by neoplasms of the sebaceous gland or keratoacanthomas, in addition to visceral malignancies. Cerebral neoplasms in patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis suffer from Turcot's syndrome. Genetic mutations in MutS homolog (MSH)-2, MutL homolog (MLH)-1, and MutS homolog (MSH)-6 DNA mismatch repair genes are the most common in MTS with MSH-2 being the most predominant. In HNPCC MLH-1 and MSH-2 mutations are approximately equal in prevalence.

CASE DESCRIPTION:

We present the case of a 58-year-old male with a prior history of being treated for colonic adenocarcinoma and skin lesions leading to a diagnosis of MTS. The patient later developed a World Health Organization (WHO) grade 4 glioma requiring surgical resection. Pathology revealed mutations in MSH-2 and MSH-6 mismatch repair genes.

A New Delivery for Cancer Drugs - news item via NCI/NIH

News - Released: 5/7/2013 1:30 PM EDT

(Source Newsroom: National Cancer Institute (NCI) at NIH)

Time to Tumor Growth: A Model End Point and New Metric System for Oncology Clinical Trials

Blogger's Note: the original article (re: doi) was specific to colorectal cancer research, however, the Editiorial has a wider scope

Editorial

See accompanying article doi: 10.1200/JCO.2012.45.0973

paywalled: Ovarian Cancer Incidence Trends in Relation to Changing Patterns of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Use in the United States

Blogger's Note: see blog postings (2013)  for more research on this issue specific to HRT use/post-WHI; not all scientists/researcher agree that cancer rates declined in direct relation to HRT use; in addition, the decline in the  use of HRT was short lived post 2002; cause-effect remains an outstanding issue; what is not included in this article is the potential/cause/effect of prophylactic surgeries as prevention either mastectomies and/or salpingoo-oopherectomies; it is important to note that many of these studies preclude pre-menopausal women who never took HRT/ERT yet were diagnosed

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Abstract

Purpose After a report from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) in 2002, a precipitous decline in menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) use in the United States was linked to a decline in breast cancer incidence rates. Given that MHT use is also associated with increased ovarian cancer risk, we tested whether ovarian cancer incidence rates changed after 2002.

Methods Using the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries database (1995 to 2008; N = 171,142 incident ovarian cancers), we applied standard analytic approaches and age-period-cohort (APC) models to estimate ovarian cancer incidence rate changes before (1995 to 2002) and after (2003 to 2008) the WHI report.

Results Among women age ≥ 50 years, age-standardized ovarian cancer incidence declined by 0.8% per year (95% CI, −1.8% to −0.5% per year) before the WHI announcement; after the WHI report, the rate declined by 2.4% per year (95% CI, −2.5% to −2.2% per year). APC models confirmed an accelerated decline in ovarian cancer incidence after the WHI report, adjusted for age and birth cohort effects. This sudden change was notable among women most likely to have used MHT (ie, women age 50 to 69 years, white women, and residents of regions with highest MHT prescription frequency). The largest changes were found for the endometrioid histologic subtype.

Conclusion After a marked reduction in MHT use around 2002, ovarian cancer incidence rates demonstrated an accelerated decline, with the largest changes for endometrioid carcinomas. This strong temporal association, although not proving a causal role of hormones in ovarian carcinogenesis, suggests that future analytic research supporting cancer control efforts should clarify the role of hormonal exposures on the development and behavior of subtypes of ovarian cancer.

Journal of Ovarian Research | Abstract | Live birth in a woman without ovaries after autograft of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue combined with growth factors

open access

"Currently, cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos and ovarian tissue is considered the basis of fertility preservation programs for women with cancer and other diseases who are rendered sterile by gonadotoxic drugs or radiation.Numerous studies have confirmed that autograft of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue can restore ovarian function and fertility. A total of twenty-two live births have been reported but we still have to consider this technique as experimental......

Olaparib Monotherapy in Patients With BRCA Mutated Ovarian Cancer Following First Line Platinum Based Chemotherapy. - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

Full Text View

This study is not yet open for participant recruitment.

Verified April 2013 by AstraZeneca

Sponsor:

AstraZeneca

Collaborator:

Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG)

Information provided by (Responsible Party):

AstraZeneca

 

Purpose

Olaparib Monotherapy in Patients with BRCA Mutated Ovarian Cancer following First Line Platinum Based Chemotherapy

 

A Study Comparing the Combination of Trabectedin (YONDELIS) and DOXIL/CAELYX With DOXIL/CAELYX for the Treatment of Advanced-Relapsed Epithelial Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

Full Text View

 This study is not yet open for participant recruitment. 

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of trabectedin+DOXIL as a third-line chemotherapy regimen (treatment) in patients with platinum-sensitive advanced-relapsed epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer who received 2 previous lines of platinum-based chemotherapy.

Responsible Party:	Janssen Research & Development, LLC
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:	NCT01846611     History of Changes
Other Study ID Numbers:	CR100983, ET743OVC3006, 2012-004808-34
Study First Received:	May 1, 2013
Last Updated:	May 1, 2013
Health Authority:	United States: Food and Drug Administration Australia: National Health and Medical Research Council New Zealand: Ministry of Health China: Food and Drug Administration Switzerland: Federal Office of Public Health Israel: Israeli Health Ministry Pharmaceutical Administration South Africa: Medicines Control Council United Kingdom: Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Russia: Pharmacological Committee, Ministry of Health

paywalled: Gynecologic Oncology: (2) Differentiating stage I epithelial ovarian cancer from benign disease in women with adnexal tumors using biomarkers or the ROMA algorithm

Gynecologic Oncology

1

Differentiating stage I epithelial ovarian cancer from benign disease in women with adnexal tumors using biomarkers or the ROMA algorithm In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 6 May 2013 J. Kaijser, T. Van Gorp, A. Sayasneh, I. Vergote, T. Bourne, B. Van Calster, D. Timmerman

Purchase $39.95

2

Differentiating stage I epithelial ovarian cancer from benign disease in women with adnexal tumors using biomarkers or the ROMA algorithm In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 6 May 2013 S. Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan, A. Obermair

HDAC6 and Ovarian Cancer

open access

Article Versions

• Abstract
• Full-Text PDF [295 KB]
• Article Versions Notes

Review

Received: 2 April 2013; in revised form: 23 April 2013 / Accepted: 24 April 2013 / Published: 2 May 2013

Abstract: The special class IIb histone deacetylase, HDAC6, plays a prominent role in many cellular processes related to cancer, including oncogenesis, the cell stress response, motility, and myriad signaling pathways. Many of the lessons learned from other cancers can be applied to ovarian cancer as well. HDAC6 interacts with diverse proteins such as HSP90, cortactin, tubulin, dynein, p300, Bax, and GRK2 in both the nucleus and cytoplasm to carry out these cancerous functions. Not all pro-cancer interactions of HDAC6 involve deacetylation. The idea of using HDAC6 as a target for cancer treatment continues to expand in recent years, and more potent and specific HDAC6 inhibitors are required to effectively down-regulate the tumor-prone cell signaling pathways responsible for ovarian cancer......

DoD CDMRP Ovarian Cancer Research Program- June 10 pre-app deadline

Stanford 

• Timeline
• Guidelines
• Award Mechanism Overview
  • Ovarian Cancer Academy Award - Early Career Investigator
    
  • Pilot Award
    
  • Teal Innovator Award
• Program goals
• Resources (institutional representative contact information, Grants.gov tutorial)

New DoD CDMRP Ovarian Cancer Research Program funding opportunities for faculty with PI eligibility.

Award Mechanisms:

• Ovarian Cancer Academy Award-Early Career Investigator $725K total direct costs plus indirects for up to 5 years (assistant professors with PI eligibility with the first three years of their faculty appointment at the time of the award) more >>
  
• Pilot Award $225K total direct costs, plus indirects, over 2 yrs (Instructors, Postdocs, Faculty with PI eligibility)more >>
  
• Teal Innovator Award $2.5M total direct costs, plus indirects, over 5 yrs (professors with PI eligibility) more >>

Timeline for all programs:
Pre-application deadline (required): June 10, 2013*, 5 p.m. ET via the CDMRP eReceipt system: https://cdmrp.org/
Full application (by invitation only): Sept. 30, 2013, 5 p.m. ET via grants.gov

conference notice: Western Association of Gynecologic Oncologists

conference

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

A preliminary schedule of events is available; however, note this schedule is subject to change. Please continue to check back for updates on the programming for this conference.

Interval debulking surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer | Cochrane Summaries updated/other similar reviews

Cochrane Summaries

Published Online: 

April 30, 2013

 

Ovarian cancer frequently presents at an advanced stage so it may not be possible to remove all tumours during surgery. Several cycles of chemotherapy are generally given after primary surgery. Secondary surgery, performed after a few cycles of chemotherapy before further cycles of chemotherapy, is called interval debulking surgery (IDS). This review compares the survival of women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, who had IDS performed between cycles of chemotherapy after primary surgery, with survival of women who had conventional treatment (primary debulking surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy). It found similar survival rates in women who did and did not receive IDS. Not enough information about adverse effects was available. Information on quality of life of the women was also inconclusive.

Background: 

Interval debulking surgery (IDS), following induction or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, may have a role in treating advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (stage III to IV) where primary debulking surgery is not an option.

Objectives: 

To assess the effectiveness and complications of IDS for women with advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer.

Selection criteria: 

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing survival of women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, who had IDS performed between cycles of chemotherapy after primary surgery with survival of women who had conventional treatment (primary debulking surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy).

Main results: 

Three RCTs randomising 853 women, of whom 781 were evaluated, met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of three trials for overall survival (OS) found no statistically significant difference between IDS and chemotherapy alone (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61 to 1.06, I² = 58%). Subgroup analysis for OS in two trials, where the primary surgery was not performed by gynaecologic oncologists or was less extensive, showed a benefit of IDS (HR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.87, I² = 0%). Meta-analysis of two trials for PFS found no statistically significant difference between IDS and chemotherapy alone (HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.33, I² = 83%). Rates of toxic reactions to chemotherapy were similar in both arms (risk ratio = 1.19, 95% CI 0.53 to 2.66, I² = 0%), but little information was available for other adverse events or quality or life (QoL).

Authors' conclusions: 

We found no conclusive evidence to determine whether IDS between cycles of chemotherapy would improve or decrease the survival rates of women with advanced ovarian cancer, compared with conventional treatment of primary surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. IDS appeared to yield benefit only in women whose primary surgery was not performed by gynaecologic oncologists or was less extensive. Data on QoL and adverse events were inconclusive.

Assessed as up to date: 

March 5, 2013

 

A systematic scoping review of adherence to reporting guidelines in health care literature (including cancer)

open access

Recommendation for health consumers
In accordance with the general principles of evidence-based health care practice,96 we encourage consumers or health care users to be actively involved in their health care by discussing their care options with their providers. Understanding information presented in published studies can be an important ingredient in these discussions. We suggest that health care users consider the evaluation of the quality of the information presented in the literature by looking for a guideline statement and a checklist to ensure the study reporting followed a certain standard that is appropriate for the particular study design.
Lastly, one element that all parties need to take into consideration is the importance of conducting large studies. Large studies have been shown to have a better quality of reporting.81,84,97 Large studies are also less prone to problems of bias and have better precision.

Conclusion
Reporting guidelines help to improve the quality and transparency of clinical studies and allow for systematic reviews and meta-analyses to provide evidence worthy of changing practice, improving knowledge, and better management of health and disease. The current reporting standards and adherence to guidelines are poor and are in need of major improvement. Steps need to be taken by all involved in the conducting and reporting of clinical research in order to achieve better standards of reporting, thus minimizing bias and providing reproducible studies that can be combined to reach conclusive evidence.