Review for 10.1186/s12876-022-02161-9 (2022)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
A competing risk analysis of colorectal cancer recurrence after curative
surgery
Version: 
0 
Date: 
12 Dec 2021
Reviewer's report:
This is a retrospective review of outcome of treatment for colorectal cancer over
a 5 year period at a single institute. The authors have compared clinical outcomes
with a range of variables both demographic and pathological. The results are
concordant with what we already know. The discussion is appropriate as far as it
goes. The the tables are all suitable.
The authors do not explain why they chose the tie period of 2003-07. This is
many years ago now and the treatment of colorectal cancer has changed
considerably eg. use of pre-op chemotherapy, use of radiotherapy for rectal
cancer, surgical techniques, endoscopic techniques. I am not sure how relevant
the findings of this paper are to modern practice. Perhaps the authors could
comment on this in the discussion. It could make the paper feel more modern.
I am not the best person to comment on the statistical analysis, as the authors
have used a method with which I am unfamiliar. I would recommend obtaining
formal statistical review.
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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?
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from apparent manipulation?
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