Protocol for a systematic review of the in vivo studies on radiofrequency (100 kHz–300 GHz) electromagnetic

2022 · Unclear · Insufficient evidence

← Research stream

UnclearInsufficient evidencePaper 720

This article describes a protocol for a planned systematic review (with meta-analysis if feasible) of in vivo rodent studies assessing potential carcinogenic risk from RF-EMF exposure (100 kHz–300 GHz), including exposures within or above legal limits. No res…

Study snapshot

Publicationmanual · 2022

Study typesystematic_review

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

Protocol for a systematic review of the in vivo studies on radiofrequency (100 kHz–300 GHz) electromagnetic field exposure and cancer Pinto R, Ardoino L Giardullo P, Villani P, Marino C. Protocol for a systematic review of the in vivo studies on radiofrequency (100 kHz–300 GHz) electromagnetic field exposure and cancer. Syst Rev 11, 29 (2022). doi.org Abstract Background An Italian project aims to review the scientific literature on the possible carcinogenicity of radiofrequency (100 kHz–300 GHz) electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure. The ENEA team has to carry out a systematic review of the in vivo studies on this topic. Objectives Development of a protocol for a systematic review (meta-analysis included) to investigate the potential carcinogenic risk following RF-EMF in vivo exposure to doses above or within legal limits. The aims of this review are (1) to provide a descriptive and, if possible, a quantitative summary of the results of the examined RF-EMF in vivo studies, together with an assessment of the consistency of observations and of the causes of heterogeneity, and (2) to assess the weight of evidence to support or refute the hypothesis of carcinogenic effects caused by RF-EMF exposure and to draw conclusions about the potential for carcinogenicity of RF-EMF exposure. Methods We will search for relevant studies in electronic academic databases and in the reference list of selected papers and reviews on the topic, including the descriptive reviews on RF-EMF carcinogenic effect carried out by international panels of experts since 2011. The following elements of the PECO question were defined: experimental studies on rodents of both sexes, all ages and species, all genetic backgrounds (Population) exposed to RF-EMF alone, or in combination with other physical or chemical agents (Exposure); only studies reporting outcome data in exposed and sham control groups (Comparison); and all types of cancer with all tumor-related outcome measures (Outcome) will be included. Only peer-reviewed articles written in English will be considered without limit in the publication date. Eligibility criteria were defined for papers to be included. A risk of bias assessment will be performed using a tool specifically developed for animal studies. A meta-analysis will be performed, if feasible, for all outcome measures; for subgroup analysis, a minimum of 3 studies per subgroup will be required. If meta-analysis will not be possible, a narrative synthesis of the results will be reported. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020191105 Open access paper: systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typesystematic_review

Effect directionunclear

PopulationRodents (both sexes; all ages/species/genetic backgrounds) in in vivo experimental studies

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF

Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 86% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

Cancer (all types)
Tumor-related outcome measures

Limitations

Protocol paper; no study results reported
Search strategy and inclusion limited to peer-reviewed articles written in English

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "systematic_review",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Rodents (both sexes; all ages/species/genetic backgrounds) in in vivo experimental studies",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Cancer (all types)",
    "Tumor-related outcome measures"
  ],
  "main_findings": "This article describes a protocol for a planned systematic review (with meta-analysis if feasible) of in vivo rodent studies assessing potential carcinogenic risk from RF-EMF exposure (100 kHz–300 GHz), including exposures within or above legal limits. No results are reported in the protocol abstract.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Protocol paper; no study results reported",
    "Search strategy and inclusion limited to peer-reviewed articles written in English"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.86,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "protocol",
    "systematic review",
    "meta-analysis",
    "in vivo",
    "rodents",
    "radiofrequency",
    "RF-EMF",
    "100 kHz–300 GHz",
    "cancer",
    "carcinogenicity",
    "risk of bias",
    "PROSPERO"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "who-icnirp",
      "weight": 0.32,
      "reason": "Mentions descriptive reviews by international expert panels since 2011 as part of the evidence base to be searched."
    }
  ]
}

AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1186/s13643-022-01898-4
PubMed: Not supplied

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library