Efficacy of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab for cervical cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is a very common and malignant tumor in female population. Although a variety of single medications are reported to treat this condition, they all have limited efficacy. Previous studies have reported the combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab (PCB) can be used for the treatment of patients with CC effectively. However, no systematic review has explored its efficacy and safety. This study will address its efficacy and safety systematically and comprehensively. METHODS: The following electronic databases will be retrieved from their inceptions to the January 1, 2020 to identify all potential associated studies: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Google scholar, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. We will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adult women (≥18 years) with CC globally. Eligible interventions will target any forms of PCB. The study methodological quality of all included studies will be appraised using Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analysis will be undertaken using RevMan 5.3 software. In addition, we will perform a narrative synthesis to describe quality and content of the evidence. RESULTS: This study will summarize recent evidence and provide quality evidence for the efficacy and safety of PCB on CC. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will seek to identify the efficacy and safety of PCB and suggest future directions for research efforts targeting CC among this population. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY202040195.