Shande Yin1, Yunhai Chuai1, Aiming Wang1, Lanmei Zhang2. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, China. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, China wangyh85@foxmail.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the conclusiveness of Cochrane reviews in the field of gynaecological cancer. METHODS: The Cochrane Library was searched for reviews regarding gynaecological cancer published between 1 January 2000 and 1 November 2014. Data were extracted from each paper and the conclusiveness of each review was assessed. RESULTS: The study included 66 reviews, 41 (62.1%) of which were conclusive. Of these, 58 included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 37 (63.8%) of which were conclusive. Conclusive reviews of RCTs included significantly more patients than inconclusive reviews, but there was no difference in the number of included studies. Of the eight reviews of nonrandomized studies, four (50.0%) were conclusive. The majority of reviews recognized the need for additional studies. CONCLUSIONS: In the field of gynaecological cancer, reviews are more likely to be conclusive when they include RCTs, as well as large numbers of patients.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the conclusiveness of Cochrane reviews in the field of gynaecological cancer. METHODS: The Cochrane Library was searched for reviews regarding gynaecological cancer published between 1 January 2000 and 1 November 2014. Data were extracted from each paper and the conclusiveness of each review was assessed. RESULTS: The study included 66 reviews, 41 (62.1%) of which were conclusive. Of these, 58 included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 37 (63.8%) of which were conclusive. Conclusive reviews of RCTs included significantly more patients than inconclusive reviews, but there was no difference in the number of included studies. Of the eight reviews of nonrandomized studies, four (50.0%) were conclusive. The majority of reviews recognized the need for additional studies. CONCLUSIONS: In the field of gynaecological cancer, reviews are more likely to be conclusive when they include RCTs, as well as large numbers of patients.