What Are the Challenges of Meta-Analyses in Cancer Research?
While meta-analyses provide valuable insights, they also face several challenges:
Heterogeneity: Differences in study design, populations, and interventions can lead to heterogeneity, complicating the synthesis of results. Publication Bias: Studies with positive findings are more likely to be published, potentially skewing the results of a meta-analysis. Quality of Included Studies: The overall quality of a meta-analysis depends on the quality of the included studies. Poor-quality studies can bias the results. Data Availability: Incomplete or inconsistent reporting of data in original studies can hinder the data extraction process.
