Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: In a meta-analysis of individual patient data (IPD), original trial data may be used to analyse the effects of an intervention in a particular subgroup. IPD meta-analyses may, therefore, be a helpful method to generate evidence that is more applicable to the geriatric population, which may have treatment effects that differ from a younger population.
Objectives: To provide an overview of treatment differences between the older and younger patients based on meta-analyses on an IPD-level.
Methods: A MEDLINE search was conducted for IPD meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before July 2012. IPDmeta-analyses involving patients with a mean age of≥70 years or describing a subgroup in this age range were included. We evaluated whether the IPDmeta-analyses reported similar conclusions for both the younger and older populations.
Results: Twenty-six IPD meta-analyses with a subgroup of older individuals were included (median N = 3.581). The most important reason for applying the IPD methodology was the ability to perform a subgroup analysis in the older population, as well as multivariable analysis with additional patient characteristics (e.g., different tumor parameters or type of drug). Fourteen IPD meta-analyses suggested that older people should receive distinct treatments compared to younger people due to differences in effectiveness, whereof eight reviews indicated that the investigated treatment(s) should be avoided or adjusted in older patients. However, in six reviews the investigated treatment was more effective in older than younger patients.
Conclusions: IPD meta-analysis is a valuable approach for generating evidence for older patients. In 54% of the included IPD meta-analyses, treatment effects differed between older and younger patients. The collaborative sharing of raw data should be promoted and facilitated to improve evidence-based decisions in the growing population of older and more vulnerable patients in our society.
Objectives: To provide an overview of treatment differences between the older and younger patients based on meta-analyses on an IPD-level.
Methods: A MEDLINE search was conducted for IPD meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before July 2012. IPDmeta-analyses involving patients with a mean age of≥70 years or describing a subgroup in this age range were included. We evaluated whether the IPDmeta-analyses reported similar conclusions for both the younger and older populations.
Results: Twenty-six IPD meta-analyses with a subgroup of older individuals were included (median N = 3.581). The most important reason for applying the IPD methodology was the ability to perform a subgroup analysis in the older population, as well as multivariable analysis with additional patient characteristics (e.g., different tumor parameters or type of drug). Fourteen IPD meta-analyses suggested that older people should receive distinct treatments compared to younger people due to differences in effectiveness, whereof eight reviews indicated that the investigated treatment(s) should be avoided or adjusted in older patients. However, in six reviews the investigated treatment was more effective in older than younger patients.
Conclusions: IPD meta-analysis is a valuable approach for generating evidence for older patients. In 54% of the included IPD meta-analyses, treatment effects differed between older and younger patients. The collaborative sharing of raw data should be promoted and facilitated to improve evidence-based decisions in the growing population of older and more vulnerable patients in our society.