Colorectal cancer among persons with HIV: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: As persons with HIV live longer, data regarding the epidemiology of colorectal cancer are required to optimize the long-term management of these patients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize evidence regarding the incidence of colorectal cancer in persons with HIV. METHODS/DESIGN: Our primary outcome is the standardized incidence ratio of colorectal cancer among persons with HIV relative to rates in persons not living with HIV. Our secondary objectives are to summarize the evidence for differences with respect to stage at diagnosis, site of disease, and mortality due to colorectal cancer. We will search electronic bibliographic databases from their inception date, as well as conference proceedings and reference lists of included articles. Two investigators will independently screen citations and full-text articles, conduct data abstraction, and appraise study quality. We will examine clinical, methodological, and statistical heterogeneity among studies prior to conducting meta-analysis. Random effects meta-analysis methods will be employed to estimate standardized incidence ratios. These data will inform the development of guidelines for colorectal cancer screening in persons with HIV. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42014013449 ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13643-015-0054-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.