Contribution of Pathologists in Leading Clinical Cancer Research Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Saudi Arabia

Background Interdisciplinary collaboration is often the key to advance cancer research. This research collaboration is frequently observed between oncologists and pathologists. While clinical cancer research is often led by oncologists, the leading role of pathologists is likely limited to laboratory-based and preclinical research. Therefore, the magnitude and characteristics of clinical studies led by pathologists is largely unknown. Objectives The objective of our study was to assess the quantity and quality of clinical cancer-related publications led by Saudi pathologists over a 10-year period. Methods A PubMed search was conducted between January 2008 and December 2017 to extract all published clinical articles regarding cancer by at least one Saudi pathologist with the collaboration of other cancer specialists. Information about articles and authors were collected. The level of evidence (LOE) was independently assessed by two authors. Two five-year periods (2008 - 2012 and 2013 - 2017) were compared using the relevant parameters. Results A total of 127 publications met our inclusion criteria and were included. Review articles (27%) were the most common type of publication. There were no experimental studies. The LOE was III and IV in 59.1% and 40.9% of the included publications, respectively. Comparing the two five-year periods, the number of publications (p < 0.001), publications in international journals (p = 0.004), and international collaborations (p < 0.001) increased in the second period. The LOE and journal impact factor were the same in the two periods. Conclusions The pathologist-led clinical cancer research in Saudi Arabia increased over time. Despite the observed increase in international collaboration and publications in international journals, the LOE was low (III/IV) and did not change over time.