A framework for assessing quality indicators in animal cancer registries: a case study
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Marta Cresci1, Francesca Cito1, Antonio Petrini1
1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise (IZSAM), Teramo, Italy.
Introduction:
Animal cancer registries (ACRs) are becoming increasingly important in veterinary oncology and within the One Health framework. However, no standardized framework currently exists to assess their quality comprehensively. This study developed a structured quality assessment framework by adapting internationally recognized standards for human cancer registries with the aim of providing data managers of animal cancer registries, as well as those involved in establishing new ACRs, with a tool to support the evaluation of registry activities.
Methods:
A systematized literature review identified 16 quality indicators organized into six domains: registry organization, data sources, comparability, validity, timeliness, and completeness. As a proof of concept, the framework was applied to the Abruzzo (Italy) ACR.
Results:
All indicators were measurable using routinely collected registry data, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approach and enabling a comprehensive evaluation of registry performance across all six quality domains.
Discussion:
Although further validation in different registry configuration is warranted, this framework provides a practical foundation for standardized quality assessment, benchmarking, and the harmonization of animal cancer registries.
