An overview on the methodological and reporting quality of dose–response meta-analysis on cancer prevention

• Published in: Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology 2019-05, Vol.145 (5), p.1201-1211
• Main Authors: Xu, Chang, Liu, Yu, Zhang, Chao, Kwong, Joey S. W., Zhou, Jian-Guo, Ge, Long, Huang, Jing-Yu, Liu, Tong-Zu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cancer; Cancer Research; Health risk assessment; Hematology; Internal Medicine; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Meta-analysis; Oncology; Original Article – Cancer Research; Prostate; Quality; Reviews; Risk factors
• ISSN: 0171-5216; 1432-1335
• DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-02869-4

Background Dose–response meta-analysis (DRMA) has been widely used in exploring cancer risk factors. Understanding the quality of published DRMAs on cancer risk factors may be beneficial for informed prevention for cancer. Methods We searched eligible DRMAs from 1st January 2011 to 31st-July-2017. The modified AMSTAR 1.0 (15 items) and PRISMA checklist (26 items) were used to evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of included DRMAs. We compared the adherence rate of these items by journal type, publication years, region, and funding information, in prior. Results We included 260 DRMAs. Colorectal, breast, prostate, and lung were the four most commonly investigated cancers. For methodological quality, 6 out of 15 items were adhered by less than 30% of the DRMAs, 2 by less than 60%, only 7 of which by 80% or more. For reporting quality, 3 out of 26 items were adhered by less than 30% of the DRMAs, 1 by less than 80% (> 30%), and 20 of which by 80% or more. Those published in general journal, published more recently, and received any financial support have better methodological (Rate differences, RDs = 10–36%; P