The utility of routine surveillance screening with magnetic resonance imaging to detect tumor recurrence/progression in children with high-grade central nervous system tumors: a systematic review.

Background: Surveillance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used to detect recurrence in children with high-grade central nervous system (CNS) tumors, although no consensus has been reached regarding its effectiveness and whether earlier detection is associated with improved patient outcomes. This review aimed to evaluate this practice and any associated benefits and harms.

Methods: Systematic searches for relevant studies were undertaken in a number of databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, from 1985 to August 2018.

The utility of routine surveillance screening with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect tumour recurrence in children with low-grade central nervous system (CNS) tumours: a systematic review.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used as a surveillance tool to detect early asymptomatic tumour recurrence with a view to improving patient outcomes. This systematic review aimed to assess its utility in children with low-grade CNS tumours.

Methods: Using standard systematic review methods, twelve databases were searched up to January 2017.

The impact of routine surveillance screening with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect tumour recurrence in children with central nervous system (CNS) tumours: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of routine MRI surveillance to detect tumour recurrence in children with no new neurological signs or symptoms compared with alternative follow-up practices, including periodic clinical and physical examinations and the use of non-routine imaging upon presentation with disease signs or symptoms.

Methods: Standard systematic review methods aimed at minimising bias will be employed for study identification, selection and data extraction. Ten electronic databases have been searched, and further citation searching and reference checking will be employed.

The effectiveness and safety of proton beam radiation therapy in children with malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumours: protocol for a systematic review.

Background: The aim of this study is to use a systematic review framework to identify and synthesise the evidence on the use of proton beam therapy (PBT) for the treatment of children with CNS tumours and where possible compare this to the use of photon radiotherapy (RT).

Methods: Standard systematic review methods aimed at minimising bias will be employed for study identification, selection and data extraction. Twelve electronic databases have been searched, and further citation, hand searching and reference checking will be employed.

The role of high-dose myeloablative chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children with central nervous system (CNS) tumours: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The objective of the study is to conduct a systematic review to compare the effects of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) versus standard-dose chemotherapy (SDCT) in children with malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumours.

Methods: Standard systematic review methods aimed at minimising bias will be employed for study identification, selection and data extraction. Ten electronic databases will be searched, along with citation searching and reference checking.