Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Dec 19, 2022
Date Accepted: Mar 22, 2023
Fibroblast Activation Protein Overexpression in Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID 372194)
ABSTRACT
Background:
Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that deletion of FAP (Fibroblast Activation Protein)-positive CAFs (cancer-associated fibroblasts) results in increased survival.
Objective:
To assess the currently available evidence on the effect of FAP expression on survival and clinical characteristics in gastrointestinal cancers, we plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods:
The databases PubMed/Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane library and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched through its respective online search engine. A meta-analysis comparing patients with and without FAP-overexpression with the following outcomes will be performed: postoperative survival (overall and median survival, 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rates), histological differentiation (grading), local tumor invasion, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases.
Results:
Database searches will commence in January 2023. The meta-analysis will be completed by March 2023.
Conclusions:
The expected results will provide new information on the prognostic value of FAP in gastrointestinal tumors and thereby support healthcare professionals and patients in their decision-making. Clinical Trial: PROSPERO ID 372194
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