Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01487-6 (2020)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Frequency, prognosis and treatment modalities of newly diagnosed small
bowel cancer with liver metastases
Version: 
0 
Date: 
02 Sep 2020
Reviewer's report:
Thank you to give me the opportunity to review the article titled "Frequency,
prognosis and treatment modalities of newly diagnosed small bowel cancer with
liver metastases". This paper by Song et al. focuses on the frequency and risk
factors for liver metastases of small bowel cancer at initial diagnosis. The
introduction provides a good, generalized background on the topic that quickly
gives the reader an appreciation of the Literature and the aims of this paper.
I would like to suggest minor points to consider:
* English should be improved: in general, the English can be understood in the
paper; however, some sentences are not so clear.
* In materials and methods, the Authors specified they considered
adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) and gastrointestinal stromal
sarcoma (GISS) as histological types of primary small bowel cancers. However,
in the discussion the Authors have written that they considered "carcinoid
tumors". Therefore, I would like to know if NECs or neuroendocrine tumors
were considered in this study. It is important because in the most recent WHO of
GI tumors (2019) NECs are considered by definitions G3 (grade 3).
* About gastrointestinal stromal sarcoma (GISS), I suppose that the Authors
considered GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor). Because it is well-known that
GIST prognosis depends upon tumor size, mitotic rate and site of origin, I would
like to know if the Authors investigated the best-documented prognostic
parameters for GIST as defined in Miettinen et al. 2006 PMID: 17193820.
Moreover, I suggest to investigate the intra-operative tumor capsule rupture
which has also been associated with poorer prognosis.
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
Yes
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
Yes
Is the use of statistics and treatment of uncertainties appropriate?
Yes
Is the presentation of the work clear?
No
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes