The search for level I evidence in solid-tumor oncology

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Developing a systematic approach to identify and disseminate Level I evidence in solid tumor oncology.
• Addressing the challenge of accessing high-quality therapeutic trial data for clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a robust method for filtering, reviewing, and distributing Level I evidence in solid tumor oncology.
• To enhance the accessibility and utility of critical research findings for oncologists.

Main Methods:

• Conducted standardized MEDLINE searches for prospective randomized controlled trials (PRCTs) in solid tumor oncology with therapeutic endpoints.
• Reviewed all identified PRCTs with surgical oncology fellows and experts, importing data into a comprehensive database.
• Tabulated statistical methods per Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines and included reviewer comments, assigning a Level Ia designation to high-quality studies.

Main Results:

• PRCTs concerning solid organ malignancy therapy constitute only 0.03% of MEDLINE articles.
• Approximately 14% of reviewed articles met the criteria for a Level Ia designation.
• Intranet and personal digital assistant (PDA) access to the database enhances educational value and specificity of information.

Conclusions:

• A novel tool has been developed to screen and record medical data for clinicians using a specialized filtering system.
• The system makes critical medical information accessible and portable via the Internet and PDAs, supporting evidence-based practice.