The search for level I evidence in solid-tumor oncology.
BACKGROUND
We have developed a method to identify, filter, review, and distribute the published level I evidence for solid tumor oncology.


METHODS
A standardized MEDLINE search identified prospective randomized controlled trials (PRCTs) in solid tumor oncology. Only PRCTs with therapeutic end points were included. All references were reviewed by a surgical oncology fellow in consultation with experts in the field. The full citations were imported into a comprehensive database. Data on statistical methods according to the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials statement were tabulated along with reviewer's comments. A designation of Ia was given to articles that were well designed and significant contributions to their field. The database powers a dynamic, easily searchable Web site on our intranet and is available in personal digital assistant (PDA) format.


RESULTS
By using standard search criteria, only .03% of the 11 million articles listed in MEDLINE are PRCTs concerning therapy for solid organ malignancies. Approximately 14% of reviewed articles were given a designation of Ia. Having comprehensive data readily available with intranet access or PDAs during conferences enhances their educational value and specificity.


CONCLUSIONS
We have developed an exciting tool that uses a highly trained filter to screen and record the medical data available to the clinician. This information has been made available and portable by using the Internet and PDAs.
Brooks
A D
AD
Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Karpoff
H M
HM
Sulimanoff
I
I
Coit
D
D
Brennan
M F
MF
Jaques
D P
DP
D019992:Databases as Topic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D020407:Internet; D016239:MEDLINE; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000145:classification*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014481:United States