Inconsistent Reporting Between Meta-analysis Protocol and Publication – A Cross-Sectional Study

• Background: Inconsistent reporting in published meta-analyses compared to registered protocol are poorly understood. The aim of the study was to assess inconsistencies between registered protocols and published reports among oncology drug meta-analyses.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed including oncology drug meta-analyses published between January 1st and November 14th 2016 with a published protocol. Two investigators extracted data on: selection criteria, outcome(s) and statistical plan in protocol and manuscript, plus self-acknowledgement of inconsistent reporting between protocol and publication.Results: Protocol registration was present in 19% (23/119) of all oncology drug meta-analyses. In meta-analyses with protocol (n= 23), 70% (16/23) had issues with inconsistent reporting between protocol and published report concerning; inclusion criteria, comparator group, intervention, outcome (PICO) or statistical analysis. Self-acknowledgement of changes between protocol and publication was found in 50% (8/16).Conclusion: In meta-analyses with protocol, discrepancies between registered protocols and publications are frequent.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Meta-analysis protocol

inconsistent reporting

published report

trial registration

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)