Diagnostic accuracy of tests for lymph node status in primary cervical cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lymph node status is the key to determining the prognosis and treatment of cervical cancer. However, it cannot be assessed clinically, and testing for nodal metastasis is controversial. We sought to systematically review the diagnostic accuracy literature on sentinel node biopsy, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography to evaluate the accuracy of each index test in determining lymph node status in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE (1966-2006), EMBASE (1980-2006), Medion (1980-2006) and the Cochrane library (Issue 2, 2006) for relevant articles. We also manually searched the reference lists from primary articles and reviews, and we contacted experts in the field for conference abstracts and unpublish

SUBMITTER: Selman TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2267838 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature