Personal use of hair dyes and the risk of bladder cancer: results of a meta-analysis.

Objective: This study examined the methodology of observational studies that explored an association between personal use of hair dye products and the risk of bladder cancer.

Methods: Data were pooled from epidemiological studies using a general variance-based meta-analytic method that employed confidence intervals. The outcome of interest was a summary relative risk (RRs) reflecting the risk of bladder cancer development associated with use of hair dye products vs.

The influence of intravesical therapy on progression of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: a metaanalytic comparison of chemotherapy versus bacilli Calmette-Guerin immunotherapy.

Objective: Currently, the true impact of intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy (bacilli Calmette-Guerin [BCG]) on the rate of progression of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder to muscle invasive disease is unclear. A metaanalysis was performed to statistically compare the efficacy of these treatments in preventing tumor progression in this disease setting.

Methods: A prospective protocol outlining the metaanalysis noted here was developed followed by a thorough search of the existing published literature using strict eligibility criteria.

Dietary cured meat and the risk of adult glioma: a meta-analysis of nine observational studies.

Objective: N-nitroso compounds (NOCs) are recognized neural carcinogens in animal models and are suspected human carcinogens. A meta-analysis was performed examining the possible association of dietary N-nitroso intake from cured meats and the risk of gliomas in adults.

Methods: A prospective protocol was developed outlining the intent, methods, and statistical analysis of the meta-analysis.

Impact of intravesical chemotherapy versus BCG immunotherapy on recurrence of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: metaanalytic reevaluation.

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy is currently considered the most effective agent in the management of superficial bladder cancer. Prior work suggests that the efficacy of intravesical chemotherapy in preventing tumor recurrence may be greater than previously suggested. This latter finding, therefore, brings into question the currently perceived superiority of BCG treatment for this disease.

Perineal application of cosmetic talc and risk of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis of 11,933 subjects from sixteen observational studies.

Objective: Prior epidemiological studies suggest an association between perineal cosmetic talc use and increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate this suspected association.

Materials And Methods: Using previously described methods, a protocol was developed for a meta-analysis examining the association between perineal talc use versus non-use and the development of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer.

Use of topical sunscreens and the risk of malignant melanoma: a meta-analysis of 9067 patients from 11 case-control studies.

Objectives: This study examined the methodology of epidemiological studies that suggest use of topical sunscreen preparations is associated with increased risk of malignant melanoma.

Methods: We pooled data from observational studies using a general variance-based meta-analytic method that employed confidence intervals (previously described). The outcome of interest was a summary relative risk (RR) reflecting the risk of melanoma associated with sunscreen use versus nonuse.

Combined chemoradiation versus radiation therapy alone in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: results of a meta-analysis of 1,528 patients from six randomized trials.

It is currently unclear whether the addition of chemotherapy to standard radiation therapy improves clinical outcome in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of integrating chemotherapy with external beam radiation therapy in this clinical setting. Using previously described methods, a protocol was developed outlining a meta-analysis examining the influence of chemoradiation versus radiation alone (control arm) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Dietary fat intake and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis of 6,689 subjects from 8 observational studies.

The etiology of epithelial ovarian cancer is unknown. Prior work suggests that high dietary fat intake is associated with an increased risk of this tumor, although this association remains speculative. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate this suspected relationship.

Dietary beta-carotene intake and the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis of 3,782 subjects from five observational studies.

Objective: The etiology of epithelial ovarian cancer is unknown. Prior work suggests that high dietary beta-carotene intake is associated with a decreased risk of this tumor although this association remains speculative. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate this suspected relationship.

Impact of intravesical chemotherapy on recurrence rate of recurrent superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: results of a meta-analysis.

Background: The impact of in tranvesical chemotherapy on preventing recurrence of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is controversial. The objective of this report is to present a meta-analysis of the available clinical trial data to quantify the effect of intravesical chemotherapy on tumor recurrence following trans-urethral resection (TURB) in patients with recurrent superficial bladder cancer.

Methods: A prospective study protocol outlining a meta-analysis was developed followed by a thorough search of the existing published literature using strict eligibility criteria.

Single-agent DTIC versus combination chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma: a meta-analysis of 3273 patients from 20 randomized trials.

It is currently unclear whether any combination therapy for the treatment of metastatic melanoma is superior to standard single-agent dacarbazine (DTIC) in terms of tumour response and overall survival. The available randomized clinical trial data were combined in a meta-analysis to address this question. Initially a thorough MEDLARS search was conducted covering the time period from January 1970 to January 1999.

Epidermal growth factor receptor gene amplification as a prognostic marker in glioblastoma multiforme: results of a meta-analysis.

Amplification of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene occurs in approximately 40% of cases of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and is considered a possible marker of poor prognosis. This report presents the results of a meta-analysis of the available data addressing this issue. Using a prospective protocol, a meta-analysis was designed to assess the possible prognostic importance of EGFR gene amplification in GBM.

Use of topical sunscreen and the risk of malignant melanoma. Results of a meta-analysis of 9,067 patients.

PURPOSE: Prior epidemiological studies suggest that the use of sunscreen preparations is associated with increased risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) although the data are conflicting. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate this suspected association.METHODS: A protocol was developed for a meta-analysis examining the association between frequent sunscreen use versus non-use and the development of CMM.

Prognostic significance of p53 mutations in non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis of 829 cases from eight published studies.

Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene is considered a possible marker of poor survival among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This report presents the results of a meta-analysis of the available data addressing this issue. Using previously described methods, a protocol was developed for a meta-analysis examining the prognostic significance of p53 mutations in NSCLC.