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Published on: August 6, 2020
Neuro-oncological research output in the Middle East: A scoping review
Ibraheem M Alkhawaldeh1, Mohammad Al-Jafari1, Mostafa Hossam El Din Moawad2
1Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Al-Karak, Jordan.
Background:
The current research efforts in the Middle East do not sufficiently capture the full extent of the burden posed by brain tumors in the region.
Objective:
Our study aimed to investigate the present state and future prospects of neuro-oncological research in the Middle East, with a focus on addressing existing research gaps.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive literature search on brain tumors in the Middle East, utilizing PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Data extraction was performed by a team of four authors using Microsoft Excel. We categorized studies based on research type, study design, subject matter, and author collaboration. Statistical analysis was conducted using RStudio 4.2.3 for categorical variables, and charts and figures were generated using RStudio 4.2.3 and Microsoft Excel version 16.
Results:
Our scoping review analyzed 1,451 research articles related to Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors. Primary research accounted for 65.3 % of the studies, secondary research for 11.4 %, and other research types for 23.3 %. Turkish and Iranian authors played a significant role in primary research. Case reports (23.7 %) and retrospective studies (15.9 %) were the most common study designs. Clinical studies constituted the majority (89.5 %), with public health (2.75 %) and experimental studies (7.75 %) forming the rest. Gliomas were the most prevalent CNS tumor type (20.7 %), followed by astrocytomas (6.8 %) and meningiomas (6.2 %).
Conclusion:
To meet the increasing demands of researchers, improved access to high-quality neurosurgical programs and centers in the Middle East is essential. Inadequate institutional planning may contribute to the current research accessibility deficits.
