Accuracy of c-KIT in lung cancer prognosis; a systematic review protocol” instead of c-KIT Expression in Lung Cancer Prognostic Evaluation - a Systematic Review Protocol

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Extensive efforts have been made to investigate c-KIT expression in lung cancer specimens and its correlation with clinical outcomes, but the issue remains unresolved. Thus, this study will be conducted to clarify the prognostic value of c-KIT expression in lung cancer patients. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: We will search Pubmed, SCOPUS, and ISI web of sciences with no restriction of language. Studies with any design (except case reports or case series) evaluating correlations of c-KIT expression with survival or outcome in patients with lung cancer will be included. The outcome measures will include all types of survival indexes, including overall survival rate and disease free survival using Kaplan-Meier analysis and hazard ratios. Study selection and data extraction will be performed by two independent researchers. Quality assessment (assessment of risk of bias) and data synthesis will be implemented using Stata software version 11.1. <br/><b>Results</b>: No ethical issues are predicted. These findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: This systematic review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, registration number = CRD42015023391.