title: [Studies and Publication Practice in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology in Germany--An Analysis of the Period 1970-2006].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several therapy optimization studies (TOSs) for the treatment of hematologic and oncologic disorders in children and adolescents have been conducted in Germany. The publication of research results is necessary to ensure that future studies are well designed and based on relevant and unanswered questions. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the study- and publication practice in this field.
  
  
  METHODS
  All study protocols in the field of the pediatric oncology and hematology in Germany were collected. Relevant data from study protocols were extracted, beginning with 1) general information about the study protocol, and 2) information about each methodological trial. In a second step, the publication practice was characterized by searching in electronic databases and by contacting principal investigators. Relevant Data of each publication was extracted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The research activity has increased significantly in the past few years. The found publication rate of 85% represents an outstanding publication practice. Additionally, German, as being the main publication language a few decades ago, has been almost completely replaced with English. An acceptable methodological conduct was observed in the analyzed study protocols.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Studies have been principally based on the concept of TOS, without considering a detailed breakdown into each methodological trial. A markedly subdivision of studies into methodologically identifiable trials would allow a clear definition of their parameters, while increasing transparency of the study conduct and its results.
authors.affiliation: Cochrane Germany, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Küllenberg de Gaudry
authors.affiliation: Cochrane Germany, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blümle
authors.affiliation: Institute for Medical Biometry and Statistics, Univeristy of Freiburg, Freiburg.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sommer
authors.affiliation: Cochrane Germany, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Steinau
authors.affiliation: Cochrane Germany, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lindenberg
authors.affiliation: Cochrane Germany, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Antes
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Niemeyer
authors.affiliation: Cochrane Germany, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Meerpohl
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D000067576:Child Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017741:Survivors
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents