Abstract

Objective: This study assesses the quality and completeness of systematic reviews (SRs) included by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) cancer screening clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). 

Methods: We evaluated SRs according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews). 

Results: Seven NCCN CPGs were included with 109 SRs. The mean PRISMA percent completeness of included SRs was 71 % (range 0.1–1.0). The mean AMSTAR-2 percent completeness was 56 % (range 0.05−0.99). Of the 70 SRs assessed via AMSTAR-2, 42 (60 %) received a “critically low” rating, 11 (15.7 %) received “low” ratings, and 17 (24.3 %) received “moderate”. None of the SRs received a “high” rating. 

Conclusion: Lack of adherence to AMSTAR-2 and PRISMA reporting standards among the SRs included is prevalent. We suggest improved reporting of SR inclusion criteria and evaluation to bolster the reporting quality of SRs underpinning CPG recommendations.

Original languageEnglish
Article number103549
JournalCritical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Volume169
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • AMSTAR-2
  • Cancer screening
  • Clinical practice guidelines
  • PRISMA
  • Systematic reviews

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