Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
are a key part of the work of the MRC Clinical Trials
Unit. They are used to summarise the effects of treatments
based on all the available evidence from randomised trials and have
influenced the treatment of patients worldwide. They are also used
to provide the rationale for, and inform the development of, CTU
trials, and to place CTU trial results in the context of other
relevant trials.
Although most of the MRC CTU Meta-analysis Group’s work to date
has been in the cancer field, it has been extended to include
projects in other diseases and conditions. Future work will focus
on key questions in both cancer and other healthcare areas. Our
completed and ongoing systematic reviews and meta-analyses can be
found via the browsing the
studies section.
The Group conducts systematic reviews and
meta-analysis based on
either the original individual participant data (IPD)
from the relevant trials or on summary data reported in trial
publications.
Together with the MRC CTU Hub for
Trials Methodology Research, the Group also conducts methodological
research to try to improve how systematic reviews and
meta-analysis are done.
The Meta-analysis Group also provides the main link between the
MRC Clinical Trials Unit and the Cochrane Collaboration.
Further information
