anurajms/meta_analysis huggingface dataset:
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Moxibustion for alleviating side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy in people with cancer
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing moxibustion treatment, including moxa cone and moxa stick, versus sham, no treatment or conventional treatment.
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Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for the management of early stage endometrial cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing laparoscopy and laparotomy for early stage endometrial cancer.
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Extended‐field radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness and toxicity of extended‐field RT for locally advanced cervical cancer.
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Taxane‐based chemohormonal therapy for metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer
We included randomized or quasi‐randomized controlled trials in which participants were administered taxane‐based chemotherapy with systemic androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) within 120 days of beginning ADT versus ADT alone at the time of diagnosis of metastatic disease.
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Epidermal growth factor receptor blockers for the treatment of ovarian cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anti‐EGFR agents with or without conventional chemotherapy versus conventional chemotherapy alone or no treatment in women with histologically proven EOC.
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Exercise for reducing falls in people living with and beyond cancer
We included all randomised controlled trials investigating exercise interventions versus no treatment, usual care or non‐exercise interventions on falls incidence or falls risk factors in adults living with and beyond cancer (18 years of age or older at diagnosis). We excluded cross‐over studies and studies in acute or inpatient hospice care.
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Type II or type III radical hysterectomy compared to chemoradiotherapy as a primary intervention for stage IB2 cervical cancer
We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐RCTs or non‐randomised studies (NRSs) comparing surgery to chemoradiotherapy in stage IB2 cervical cancers.
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Preoperative radiotherapy and curative surgery for the management of localised rectal carcinoma
We included randomised controlled trials comparing PRT and surgery with surgery alone for people with localised advanced rectal cancer planned for radical surgery. We excluded trials that did not use contemporary radiotherapy techniques (with more than two fields to the pelvis).
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Olanzapine for the prevention and treatment of cancer‐related nausea and vomiting in adults
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of olanzapine versus any comparator with or without adjunct therapies for the prevention or treatment, or both, of nausea or vomiting in people with cancer aged 18 years or older, in any setting, of any duration, with at least 10 participants per treatment arm.
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Probiotics for the prevention or treatment of chemotherapy‐ or radiotherapy‐related diarrhoea in people with cancer
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of probiotics for prevention or treatment of chemotherapy‐ or radiotherapy‐related diarrhoea in people with cancer.
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Immunonutrition for patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing immunonutrition given either preoperatively, postoperatively or perioperatively to adult patients (18 years of age or older) undergoing an elective surgical procedure for head and neck cancer, compared with a control group receiving either standard polymeric nutritional supplements or no supplements.
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Risk‐reducing bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy in women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
We included non‐randomised trials (NRS), prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and case series that used statistical adjustment for baseline case mix using multivariable analyses comparing RRSO versus no RRSO in women without a previous or coexisting breast, ovarian or fallopian tube malignancy, in women with or without hysterectomy, and in women with a risk‐reducing mastectomy (RRM) before, with or after RRSO.
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Surgery versus stereotactic radiotherapy for people with single or solitary brain metastasis
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgery versus stereotactic radiotherapy, either a single fraction (stereotactic radiosurgery) or multiple fractions (fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy) for treatment of single or solitary brain metastasis.
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Virtual reality simulation training for health professions trainees in gastrointestinal endoscopy
We included randomised and quasi‐randomised clinical trials comparing VR endoscopy simulation training versus any other method of endoscopy training with outcomes measured on humans in the clinical setting, including conventional patient‐based training, training using another form of endoscopy simulation, or no training. We also included trials comparing two different methods of VR training.
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Home parenteral nutrition for people with inoperable malignant bowel obstruction
We included any studies with more than five participants investigating HPN in people over 16 years of age with inoperable MBO.
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Communication skills training for healthcare professionals working with people who have cancer
The original review was a narrative review that included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled before‐and‐after studies. In updated versions, we limited our criteria to RCTs evaluating CST compared with no CST or other CST in HCPs working in cancer care. Primary outcomes were changes in HCP communication skills measured in interactions with real or simulated people with cancer or both, using objective scales. We excluded studies whose focus was communication skills in encounters related to informed consent for research.
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Pembrolizumab monotherapy versus chemotherapy for treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma with disease progression during or following platinum‐containing chemotherapy. A Cochrane Rapid Review
We included randomised controlled trials except cross‐over trials and cluster randomised trials. We excluded all other study designs. Participants included had locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, with disease progression during or following platinum‐containing chemotherapy (synonymous with second‐/third‐/fourth‐line therapy). This review focused on pembrolizumab (synonyms: MK‐3475, lambrolizumab, Keytruda).
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Anticoagulation for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in people with cancer
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled people with cancer undergoing a surgical intervention and assessed the effects of low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH) to unfractionated heparin (UFH) or to fondaparinux on mortality, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding outcomes, and thrombocytopenia.
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Interventions for the treatment of brain radionecrosis after radiotherapy or radiosurgery
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of any intervention directed to treat brain radionecrosis in adults over 18 years old previously treated with radiation therapy to the brain. We anticipated a limited number of RCTs, so we also planned to include all comparative prospective intervention trials and quasi‐randomised trials of interventions for brain radionecrosis in adults as long as these studies had a comparison group that reflects the standard of care (i.e. placebo or corticosteroids). Selection bias was likely to be an issue in all the included non‐randomised studies therefore results are interpreted with caution.
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Anticoagulation for people with cancer and central venous catheters
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the benefits and harms of unfractionated heparin (UFH), low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH), vitamin K antagonists (VKA), or fondaparinux or comparing the effects of two of these anticoagulants in people with cancer and a CVC.
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Primary cryotherapy for localised or locally advanced prostate cancer
We included randomised or quasi‐randomised trials comparing cryotherapy to other interventions for the primary treatment of prostate cancer.
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Stent placement versus surgical palliation for adults with malignant gastric outlet obstruction
We included randomised controlled trials comparing stent placement with surgical palliation for people with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to malignant disease.
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Hormone replacement therapy for women previously treated for endometrial cancer
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), in all languages, that examined the efficacy of symptom relief and the safety of using HRT in women treated for endometrial cancer, where safety in this situation was considered as not increasing the risk of recurrence of endometrial cancer above that of women not taking HRT.
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Prophylactic vaccination against human papillomaviruses to prevent cervical cancer and its precursors
Randomised controlled trials comparing efficacy and safety in females offered HPV vaccines with placebo (vaccine adjuvants or another control vaccine).
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Hyperbaric oxygenation for tumour sensitisation to radiotherapy
Randomised and quasi‐randomised studies comparing the outcome of malignant tumours following radiation therapy while breathing HBO versus air or an alternative sensitising agent.
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Gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract carcinomas
Eligible studies include randomised clinical trials, irrespective of language or publication status, comparing intravenous administration of gemcitabine monotherapy or gemcitabine‐based combination to placebo, to no intervention, or to treatments other than gemcitabine.
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Breast surgery for metastatic breast cancer
The inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials of women with metastatic breast cancer at initial diagnosis comparing breast surgery plus systemic therapy versus systemic therapy alone. The primary outcomes were overall survival and quality of life. Secondary outcomes were progression‐free survival (local and distant control), breast cancer‐specific survival, and toxicity from local therapy.
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Oral water soluble contrast for malignant bowel obstruction
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), or prospective controlled studies, that evaluated the diagnostic potential of OWSC in predicting which malignant bowel obstructions will resolve with conservative treatment.RCTs, or prospective controlled studies, that assessed the therapeutic potential of OWSC in managing MBO at any level compared with placebo, no intervention or usual treatment or supportive care.
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Ghrelin for the management of cachexia associated with cancer
We included randomised controlled (parallel‐group or cross‐over) trials comparing ghrelin (any formulation or route of administration) with placebo or an active comparator in adults (aged 18 years and over) who met any of the international criteria for cancer cachexia.
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Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents to induce regression and prevent the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled trials of NSAIDs in the treatment of CIN.
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Influenza vaccines in immunosuppressed adults with cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective cohort studies and case‐control studies were considered, comparing inactivated influenza vaccines versus placebo, no vaccination or a different vaccine, in adults (16 years and over) with cancer. We considered solid malignancies treated with chemotherapy, haematological cancer patients treated or not treated with chemotherapy, cancer patients post‐autologous (up to six months after transplantation) or allogeneic (at any time) haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
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Physical activity for women with breast cancer after adjuvant therapy
We searched for randomised and quasi‐randomised trials comparing physical activity interventions versus control (e.g. usual or standard care, no physical activity, no exercise, attention control, placebo) after adjuvant therapy (i.e. after completion of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, but not hormone therapy) in women with breast cancer.
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Selenium for preventing cancer
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal observational studies that enrolled adult participants.
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Whole brain radiotherapy for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple brain metastases
We included phase III randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing WBRT versus other treatments for adults with newly diagnosed multiple brain metastases.
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Interventions to reduce acute and late adverse gastrointestinal effects of pelvic radiotherapy for primary pelvic cancers
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to prevent adverse gastrointestinal effects of pelvic radiotherapy among adults receiving radiotherapy to treat primary pelvic cancers, including radiotherapy techniques, other aspects of radiotherapy delivery, pharmacological interventions and non‐pharmacological interventions. Studies needed a sample size of 20 or more participants and needed to evaluate gastrointestinal toxicity outcomes. We excluded studies that evaluated dosimetric parameters only. We also excluded trials of interventions to treat acute gastrointestinal symptoms, trials of altered fractionation and dose escalation schedules, and trials of pre‐ versus postoperative radiotherapy regimens, to restrict the vast scope of the review.
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Gefitinib for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
We included trials assessing gefitinib, alone or in combination with other treatment, compared to placebo or other treatments in the first‐ or successive‐line treatment of patients with NSCLC, excluding compassionate use.
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Bisphosphonates for advanced prostate cancer
We included randomized controlled studies comparing the effectiveness of bisphosphonates in men with bone metastases from prostate cancer.
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Tumour bed boost radiotherapy for women after breast‐conserving surgery
Randomised controlled trials comparing the addition and the omission of breast cancer tumour bed boost radiotherapy.
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Closure methods for laparotomy incisions for preventing incisional hernias and other wound complications
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared suture materials or closure techniques, or both, for fascial closure of laparotomy incisions. We excluded trials that compared only types of skin closures, peritoneal closures or use of retention sutures.
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Bisphosphonates and other bone agents for breast cancer
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing: (a) one treatment with a bisphosphonate/bone‐acting agent with the same treatment without a bisphosphonate/bone‐acting agent; (b) treatment with one bisphosphonate versus treatment with a different bisphosphonate; (c) treatment with a bisphosphonate versus another bone‐acting agent of a different mechanism of action (e.g. denosumab); and (d) immediate treatment with a bisphosphonate/bone‐acting agent versus delayed treatment of the same bisphosphonate/bone‐acting agent.
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Lymphadenectomy for the management of endometrial cancer
RCTs and quasi‐RCTs that compared lymphadenectomy versus no lymphadenectomy in adult women diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) alone versus WBRT and radiosurgery for the treatment of brain metastases
We restricted the review to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared use of WBRT plus SRS versus WBRT alone for upfront treatment of adults with newly diagnosed metastases (single or multiple) in the brain resulting from any primary, extracranial cancer.
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Pancreaticojejunostomy versus pancreaticogastrostomy reconstruction for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy
We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the clinical outcomes of PJ compared to PG in people undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.
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Intravesical electromotive drug administration for non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer
We searched for randomised studies comparing EMDA of any intravesical agent used to reduce bladder cancer recurrence in conjunction with transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT).
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Laparoscopic and robotic‐assisted versus open radical prostatectomy for the treatment of localised prostate cancer
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a direct comparison of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) to ORP, including pseudo‐RCTs.
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Parenteral anticoagulation in ambulatory patients with cancer
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the benefits and harms of parenteral anticoagulation in ambulatory patients with cancer. Typically, these patients are undergoing chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy, but otherwise have no standard therapeutic or prophylactic indication for anticoagulation.
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Prophylactic chemotherapy for hydatidiform mole to prevent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of P‐Chem for HM.
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Retinoic acid postconsolidation therapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma patients treated with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating additional retinoic acid after HDCT followed by HSCT for people with high‐risk neuroblastoma compared to placebo retinoic acid or to no additional retinoic acid. Primary outcomes were overall survival and treatment‐related mortality. Secondary outcomes were progression‐free survival, event‐free survival, early toxicity, late toxicity, and health‐related quality of life.
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Home‐based multidimensional survivorship programmes for breast cancer survivors
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs assessing the effects of HBMS programmes in maintaining or improving quality of life in women with stages 0 to 3 breast cancer who completed primary cancer treatment (surgery or adjuvant cancer therapy, or both) up to 10 years earlier. We considered studies where the interventions included more than one of the following listed components: educational (such as information provision and self‐management advice), physical (such as exercise training and resistance training) and psychological (such as counselling and cognitive therapies), to constitute a multidimensional programme. Interventions had to be allowed to be carried out at home.
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Chemoradiotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy plus surgery for esophageal cancer
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing chemoradiotherapy plus esophagectomy with chemoradiotherapy alone for localized esophageal carcinoma. We excluded RCTs comparing chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone with esophagectomy.
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Procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine for recurrent high‐grade glioma
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐randomised trials (QRCTs), or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) where PCV was used to treat adults with recurrent HGG. Comparison arm included no chemotherapy, other second line chemotherapy or best supportive care.
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Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for cancer‐related pain in children and adolescents
Randomised, double‐blind trials of any dose, and any route, treating cancer‐related pain in children and adolescents, comparing NSAIDs with placebo or an active comparator.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Opioids for cancer‐related pain in children and adolescents
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), with or without blinding, of any dose, and any route, treating cancer‐related pain in children and adolescents, comparing opioids with placebo or an active comparator.
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Psychosocial interventions for fatigue during cancer treatment with palliative intent
We included randomised controlled trials that compared psychosocial interventions in adults aged 18 years or over undergoing cancer treatment with palliative intent for incurable cancer versus usual care or other controls. Psychosocial interventions were defined as various kinds of interventions provided to influence or change cognitions, emotions, behaviours, social interactions, or a combination of these. Psychosocial interventions of interest to this review had to involve at least two interactions between the patient and the care provider in which the care provider gave the patient personal feedback concerning changes sought by these interventions. We included trials that reported fatigue as an outcome of interest.
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Oral nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for cancer pain in adults
We included randomised, double‐blind, single‐blind, or open‐label studies of five days' duration or longer, comparing any oral NSAID alone with placebo or another NSAID, or a combination of NSAID plus opioid with the same dose of the opioid alone, for cancer pain of any pain intensity. The minimum study size was 25 participants per treatment arm at the initial randomisation.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Oral paracetamol (acetaminophen) for cancer pain
We included randomised, double‐blind, studies of five days' duration or longer, comparing paracetamol alone with placebo, or paracetamol in combination with an opioid compared with the same dose of the opioid alone, for cancer pain of any intensity. Single‐blind and open studies were also eligible for inclusion. The minimum study size was 25 participants per treatment arm at the initial randomisation.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Corticosteroids for adult patients with advanced cancer who have nausea and vomiting (not related to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery)
Any double‐blind randomised or prospective controlled trial that included adults aged 18 years and over with advanced cancer with nausea and vomiting not related to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery were eligible for the review, when using corticosteroids as antiemetic treatment.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Retroperitoneal drainage versus no drainage after pelvic lymphadenectomy for the prevention of lymphocyst formation in women with gynaecological malignancies
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effect of retroperitoneal drainage versus no drainage after pelvic lymphadenectomy in women with gynaecological cancer. Retroperitoneal drainage was defined as placement of passive or active suction drains in pelvic retroperitoneal spaces. No drainage was defined as no placement of passive or active suction drains in pelvic retroperitoneal spaces.
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Ketamine as an adjuvant to opioids for cancer pain
The intervention considered by this review was the addition of ketamine, given by any route of administration, in any dose, to pre‐existing opioid treatment given by any route and in any dose, compared with placebo or active control. We included studies with a group size of at least 10 participants who completed the trial.
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Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors for metastatic colorectal cancer
We included randomised controlled trials on participants with metastatic colorectal cancer comparing: 1) the combination of EGFR MAb and 'standard therapy' (whether chemotherapy or best supportive care) to standard therapy alone, 2) the combination of EGFR TKI and standard therapy to standard therapy alone, 3) the combination of EGFR inhibitor (whether MAb or TKI) and standard therapy to another EGFR inhibitor (or the same inhibitor with a different dosing regimen) and standard therapy, or 4) the combination of EGFR inhibitor (whether MAb or TKI), anti‐angiogenic therapy, and standard therapy to anti‐angiogenic therapy and standard therapy alone.
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Platinum‐containing regimens for metastatic breast cancer
Randomised trials comparing platinum‐containing chemotherapy regimens with regimens not containing platinum in women with metastatic breast cancer.
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Early palliative care for adults with advanced cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster‐randomised controlled trials (cRCTs) on professional palliative care services that provided or co‐ordinated comprehensive care for adults at early advanced stages of cancer.
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Focal laser treatment in addition to chemotherapy for retinoblastoma
We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of systemic chemotherapy with versus without adjuvant laser therapy for postequatorial retinoblastoma.
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Empirical antibiotics targeting gram‐positive bacteria for the treatment of febrile neutropenic patients with cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing one antibiotic regimen versus the same regimen with the addition of an antiGP antibiotic for the treatment of febrile neutropenic patients with cancer.
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Drug therapy for symptoms associated with anxiety in adult palliative care patients
Randomised controlled trials which examined the effect of drug therapy for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety in adult palliative care patients, that is, people with a known progressive life‐limiting illness that is no longer responsive to curative treatment, including advanced heart, respiratory and neurological diseases (including dementia). Comparator treatments included placebo; another drug therapy or different dose schedule; or a non‐drug intervention such as counselling, cognitive behaviour therapies or relaxation therapies.
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Tramadol with or without paracetamol (acetaminophen) for cancer pain
We selected studies that were randomised, with placebo or active controls, or both, and included a minimum of 10 participants per treatment arm. We were interested particularly in blinded studies, but also included open studies.We excluded non‐randomised studies, studies of experimental pain, case reports, and clinical observations.
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Immunotherapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs with or without blinding involving people with mRCC.
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Partial nephrectomy versus radical nephrectomy for clinical localised renal masses
We included a randomised controlled trial comparing partial and radical nephrectomy for participants with small renal masses.
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Alvimopan for recovery of bowel function after radical cystectomy
We searched for randomized controlled trials that compared alvimopan to placebo.
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Biopsy versus resection for the management of low‐grade gliomas
We planned to include patients of any age with a suspected intracranial LGG receiving biopsy or resection within a randomized clinical trial (RCT) or controlled clinical trial (CCT). Patients with prior resections, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy for LGG were excluded. Outcome measures included overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), functionally independent survival (FIS), adverse events, symptom control, and quality of life (QoL).
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation following high‐dose chemotherapy for nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas
Terms representing STS and autologous HSCT were required in the title or abstract. We restricted the study design to RCTs. We included studies if at least 80% of participants had a diagnosis listed in any version of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and classified as malignant. The search included children and adults with no age limits.
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Online support groups for women with breast cancer
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing effects of online support groups on women with a diagnosis of breast cancer and women who have completed breast cancer treatment. We included studies comparing online support groups with a usual care group, and studies comparing two or more types of online support groups (without a usual care group).
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Intravesical Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin with interferon‐alpha versus intravesical Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin for treating non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and pseudo‐randomised trials assessing intravesically administered BCG plus IFN‐α versus BCG alone in adults of either gender with histologically confirmed Ta and T1 superficial bladder cancer, with or without carcinoma in situ, treated with TUR.
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External beam radiotherapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Eligible studies included all randomised clinical trials comparing external beam radiotherapy either as a monotherapy or in combination with other systemic or locoregional therapies versus placebo, no treatment, or other systemic or locoregional therapies for people with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Interventions for raising breast cancer awareness in women
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on interventions for raising women’s breast cancer awareness i.e. knowledge of potential breast cancer symptoms/changes and the confidence to look at and feel their breasts, using any means of delivery, i.e. one‐to‐one/group/mass media campaign(s).
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Methadone for cancer pain
We sought randomised controlled trials comparing methadone (any formulation and by any route) with active or placebo comparators in people with cancer pain.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Second‐line systemic therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy (survival, tumour response) and toxicity (incidence of severe adverse effects (SAEs)) of second‐line systemic therapy (single or combined treatment with any anticancer drug, at any dose and number of cycles) in people with metastatic CRC that progressed, recurred or did not respond to first‐line systemic therapy.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Immediate referral to colposcopy versus cytological surveillance for minor cervical cytological abnormalities in the absence of HPV test
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing immediate colposcopy to cytological surveillance in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS/borderline) or low‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesions (LSIL/mild dyskaryosis).
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Antibiotics for infection prevention after excision of the cervical transformation zone
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic antibiotics versus a placebo or no treatment in women having excision of the cervical transformation zone, regardless of the type of surgical excisional method used.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Dietary fibre for the prevention of recurrent colorectal adenomas and carcinomas
We included RCTs or quasi‐RCTs. The population were those having a history of adenomatous polyps, but no previous history of CRC, and repeated visualisation of the colon/rectum after at least two‐years' follow‐up. Dietary fibre was the intervention. The primary outcomes were the number of participants with: 1. at least one adenoma, 2. more than one adenoma, 3. at least one adenoma greater than or equal to 1 cm, or 4. a new diagnosis of CRC. The secondary outcome was the number of adverse events.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Axillary treatment for operable primary breast cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including women with clinically defined operable primary breast cancer conducted to compare axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) with no axillary surgery, axillary sampling or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB); RCTs comparing axillary sampling with SLNB or no axillary surgery; RCTs comparing SLNB with no axillary surgery; and RCTs comparing ALND with or without radiotherapy (RT) versus RT alone.
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Fulvestrant for hormone‐sensitive metastatic breast cancer
We included for analyses randomised controlled trials that enrolled postmenopausal women with hormone‐sensitive advanced breast cancer (TNM classifications: stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC) or metastatic breast cancer (TNM classification: stage IV) with an intervention group treated with fulvestrant with or without other standard anticancer therapy.
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Yoga for improving health‐related quality of life, mental health and cancer‐related symptoms in women diagnosed with breast cancer
Randomised controlled trials were eligible when they (1) compared yoga interventions versus no therapy or versus any other active therapy in women with a diagnosis of non‐metastatic or metastatic breast cancer, and (2) assessed at least one of the primary outcomes on patient‐reported instruments, including health‐related quality of life, depression, anxiety, fatigue or sleep disturbances.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Minimally invasive surgery versus radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy for small‐volume primary oropharyngeal carcinoma
Randomised controlled trials in patients with carcinoma in the oropharynx subsite (as defined by the World Health Organization classification C09, C10). Cancers included were primary squamous cell carcinomas arising from the oropharyngeal mucosa. The tumours were classified as T1‐T2 with or without nodal disease and with no evidence of distant metastatic spread. The intervention was transoral, minimally invasive surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The comparator was primary radiotherapy with or without induction or concurrent chemotherapy for the tumour. The treatments received and compared were of curative intent and patients had not undergone prior intervention, other than diagnostic biopsy.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Nipple‐ and areola‐sparing mastectomy for the treatment of breast cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) however if there were no RCTs, we expanded our criteria to include non‐randomised comparative studies (cohort and case‐control studies). Studies evaluated nipple‐sparing and areola‐sparing mastectomy compared to modified radical mastectomy or skin‐sparing mastectomy for the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Educational interventions for the management of cancer‐related fatigue in adults
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of educational interventions focused on cancer‐related fatigue where fatigue was a primary outcome. Studies must have aimed to evaluate the effect of educational interventions designed specifically to manage cancer‐related fatigue, or to evaluate educational interventions targeting a constellation of physical symptoms or quality of life where fatigue was the primary focus. The studies could have compared educational interventions with no intervention or wait list controls, usual care or attention controls, or an alternative intervention for cancer‐related fatigue in adults with any type of cancer.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Adjuvant platinum‐based chemotherapy for early stage cervical cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing adjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy (after radical surgery, radiotherapy or both) with no adjuvant chemotherapy, in women with early stage cervical cancer (stage IA2‐IIA) with at least one risk factor for recurrence.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Benzodiazepines for the relief of breathlessness in advanced malignant and non‐malignant diseases in adults
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) assessing the effect of benzodiazepines compared with placebo or active control in relieving breathlessness in people with advanced stages of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart failure (CHF), motor neurone disease (MND), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for muscle weakness in adults with advanced disease
We included randomised controlled trials in adults with advanced chronic respiratory disease, chronic heart failure, cancer, or HIV/AIDS comparing a programme of NMES as a sole or adjunct intervention to no treatment, placebo NMES, or an active control. We imposed no language restriction.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for FIGO stage I ovarian cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐RCTs and prospective cohort studies comparing laparoscopic staging with open surgery (laparotomy) in women with stage I ovarian cancer according to FIGO.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Exercise for women receiving adjuvant therapy for breast cancer
We included randomised controlled trials that examined aerobic or resistance exercise or both in women undergoing adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. Published and unpublished trials were eligible.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Therapeutic exercises for affecting post‐treatment swallowing in people treated for advanced‐stage head and neck cancers
We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adults with head and neck cancer (stage III, stage IV) who underwent therapeutic exercises for swallowing before, during and/or immediately after HNC treatment to help produce safe and efficient swallowing. The main comparison was therapeutic exercises versus treatment as usual (TAU). Other possible comparison pairs included: therapeutic exercises versus sham exercises and therapeutic exercises plus TAU versus TAU. TAU consisted of reactive management of a patient's dysphagia, when this occurred. When severe, this included insertion of either a percutaneous endoscopic gastroscopy or nasogastric tube for non‐oral feeding.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Nutritional interventions for survivors of childhood cancer
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of a nutritional intervention with a control group which did not receive the intervention in this review. Participants were childhood cancer survivors of any age, diagnosed with any type of cancer when less than 18 years of age. Participating childhood cancer survivors had completed their treatment with curative intent prior to the intervention.
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Non‐pharmacological interventions for cognitive impairment due to systemic cancer treatment
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of non‐pharmacological interventions to improve cognitive impairment or to maintain cognitive functioning among survivors of adult‐onset cancers who have completed systemic cancer therapy (in isolation or combination with other treatments) were eligible. Studies among individuals continuing to receive hormonal therapy were included. We excluded interventions targeted at cancer survivors with central nervous system (CNS) tumours or metastases, non‐melanoma skin cancer or those who had received cranial radiation or, were from nursing or care home settings. Language restrictions were not applied.
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Interventions for treating oral leukoplakia to prevent oral cancer
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled people with a diagnosis of oral leukoplakia and compared any treatment versus placebo or no treatment.
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Sun protection for preventing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers
We included randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of preventive strategies for keratinocyte cancer, such as physical barriers and sunscreens, in the general population (children and adults), which may provide information about benefits and adverse events related to the use of solar protection measures. We did not include trials focused on educational strategies to prevent KC or preventive strategies in high‐risk groups. Our prespecified primary outcomes were BCC or cSCC confirmed clinically or by histopathology at any follow‐up and adverse events.
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Molecular‐targeted first‐line therapy for advanced gastric cancer
We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults (aged 18 years or older) with histologically‐confirmed advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach/gastro‐esophageal junction. Trials of participants with esophageal adenocarcinoma were also considered to be eligible. The eligible trials should aim to evaluate the effects of molecular‐targeted agents on participants' prognosis.
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Pain relief for women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia undergoing colposcopy treatment
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared all types of pain relief before, during or after outpatient treatment to the cervix, in women with CIN undergoing loop excision, laser ablation, laser excision or cryosurgery in an outpatient colposcopy clinic setting.
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Hypofractionated radiation therapy for early breast cancer
Randomised controlled trials of altered fraction size versus conventional fractionation for radiation therapy in women with early breast cancer who had undergone breast conserving surgery.
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Intracystic bleomycin for cystic craniopharyngiomas in children
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐randomised trials or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing intracystic bleomycin and other treatments for cystic craniopharyngiomas in children (from birth to 18 years).
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Luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists for the treatment of relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared LHRH agonists with chemotherapeutic agents or placebo in relapsed EOC.
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Radiotherapy for diffuse brainstem glioma in children and young adults
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐randomised trials (QRCTs), or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that compared conventional fractionated radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy) versus other therapies (including different radiotherapy techniques) for newly diagnosed diffuse brainstem glioma in children and young adults aged 0 to 21 years.
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Massage with or without aromatherapy for symptom relief in people with cancer
Randomised controlled studies (RCTs) reporting the effects of aromatherapy or massage therapy, or both, in people with cancer of any age. We applied no language restrictions. Comparators were massage (using carrier oil only) versus no massage, massage with aromatherapy (using carrier oil plus essential oils) versus no massage, and massage with aromatherapy (using carrier oil plus essential oils) versus massage without aromatherapy (using carrier oil only).
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Follow‐up strategies for women treated for early breast cancer
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of different policies of follow‐up after primary treatment were reviewed for inclusion.
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High‐dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow or stem cell transplantation versus conventional chemotherapy for women with early poor prognosis breast cancer
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing high‐dose chemotherapy and autograft (bone marrow transplant or stem cell rescue) versus chemotherapy without autograft for women with early poor prognosis breast cancer.
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Different types of implants for reconstructive breast surgery
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs that compared different types of breast implants for reconstructive surgery. We considered the following types of intervention: implant envelope surfaces ‐ texturised versus smooth; implant filler material ‐ silicone versus saline, PVP‐Hydrogel versus saline; implant shape ‐ anatomical versus round; implant volume ‐ variable versus fixed; brands ‐ different implant manufacturing companies and implant generation (fifth versus previous generations).