Abstract
Background: Gastrectomy, the mainstay of curative treatment for gastric cancer, is associated with significant complications. The process of identifying surgical approaches which minimise these risks and improve overall survival includes the ability to synthesise evidence from trials. This is presently difficult as outcome reporting in surgical trials is heterogeneous.
The GASTROS study (GAstric cancer Surgery Trials Reported Outcome Standardisation) is an international initiative which aims to develop a core outcome set (COS) - a minimum standardised group of outcomes - which should be reported by all future gastric cancer surgery trials. This will enable more accurate comparison of outcomes from different surgical approaches. GASTROS is fully funded by the National Institute for Health Research and supported by the Medical Research Council's Hubs for Trials Methodology Research. Here we present our study protocol.
Methods: GASTROS has 3 stages. Stage 1 involves undertaking a systematic review of studies to identify a ‘long-list’ of possible outcomes to include in the COS. Qualitative interviews with gastric cancer patients will be undertaken to identify any further outcomes which patients deem important. Stage 2 involves 3 rounds of a Delphi survey of key stakeholders (surgeons, cancer nurse specialists and patients) to determine which outcomes to include in the COS. Stage 3 will focus on identifying the most appropriate methods of measuring these outcomes.
Anticipated benefit: This study will inform future gastric cancer surgical trials, clinical practice and surgical audits by developing a standardised, well-defined group of outcomes which are relevant to both patients and clinicians.
The GASTROS study (GAstric cancer Surgery Trials Reported Outcome Standardisation) is an international initiative which aims to develop a core outcome set (COS) - a minimum standardised group of outcomes - which should be reported by all future gastric cancer surgery trials. This will enable more accurate comparison of outcomes from different surgical approaches. GASTROS is fully funded by the National Institute for Health Research and supported by the Medical Research Council's Hubs for Trials Methodology Research. Here we present our study protocol.
Methods: GASTROS has 3 stages. Stage 1 involves undertaking a systematic review of studies to identify a ‘long-list’ of possible outcomes to include in the COS. Qualitative interviews with gastric cancer patients will be undertaken to identify any further outcomes which patients deem important. Stage 2 involves 3 rounds of a Delphi survey of key stakeholders (surgeons, cancer nurse specialists and patients) to determine which outcomes to include in the COS. Stage 3 will focus on identifying the most appropriate methods of measuring these outcomes.
Anticipated benefit: This study will inform future gastric cancer surgical trials, clinical practice and surgical audits by developing a standardised, well-defined group of outcomes which are relevant to both patients and clinicians.
| Original language | Undefined |
|---|---|
| Journal | International Journal of Surgery |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Dec 2016 |
Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre
