STROGAR – STrengthening the Reporting Of Genetic Association studies in Radiogenomics

• Published in: Radiotherapy and oncology 2014-01, Vol.110 (1), p.182-188
• Main Authors: Kerns, Sarah L, Ruysscher, Dirk de, Andreassen, Christian N, Azria, David, Barnett, Gillian C, Chang-Claude, Jenny, Davidson, Susan, Deasy, Joseph O, Dunning, Alison M, Ostrer, Harry, Rosenstein, Barry S, West, Catharine M.L, Bentzen, Søren M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Checklist - methods; Checklist - standards; Genetic Association Studies; Genetics; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Neoplasms - genetics; Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Normal tissue toxicity; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Radiogenomics; Reporting guidelines
• ISSN: 0167-8140; 1879-0887
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2013.07.011

Abstract Despite publication of numerous radiogenomics studies to date, positive single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations have rarely been reproduced in independent validation studies. A major reason for these inconsistencies is a high number of false positive findings because no adjustments were made for multiple comparisons. It is also possible that some validation studies were false negatives due to methodological shortcomings or a failure to reproduce relevant details of the original study. Transparent reporting is needed to ensure these flaws do not hamper progress in radiogenomics. In response to the need for improving the quality of research in the area, the Radiogenomics Consortium produced an 18-item checklist for reporting radiogenomics studies. It is recognised that not all studies will have recorded all of the information included in the checklist. However, authors should report on all checklist items and acknowledge any missing information. Use of STROGAR guidelines will advance the field of radiogenomics by increasing the transparency and completeness of reporting.