Abstract
BackgroundThere is an unmet need to assess research productivity from southeast Asia (SEA) regarding primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The country’s economy, landscape of neurology practice, and disease burden are hypothesized to correlate with scientific output. This study aimed to objectively measure the impact of published studies on primary brain tumors in SEA and to assess for correlation with socioeconomic determinants and burden of disease.MethodsWe systematically searched electronic databases for relevant articles from SEA on primary CNS tumor until July 31, 2020. Bibliometric indices were reported and subjected to correlational analysis with population size, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, percentage (%) GDP for research and development (R&D), total number of neurologists, disease incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years.ResultsA total of 549 articles were included, consisting primarily of case reports (n=187, 34.06%) and discussed gliomas (n=195, 35.52%). Singapore published the most number of the articles (n=246, 44.8%). Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between %GDP for R&D and total publication. Additionally, negative relationships were noted between burden of disease and total neurologist with most bibliometric indices. However, GDP per capita was not correlated with measures for research productivity.ConclusionThe low impact of scientific output on primary CNS tumors in SEA does not address the growing epidemiology and burden of this disease. An increase in the GDP growth and financial and manpower investment to R&D may significantly improve research productivity in SEA.
Highlights
The incidence of central nervous system (CNS) cancer in developing nations has seen a percentage increase change from as low as 15% to as high as 80% in comparison to data last 2009 that cited highest incidence in developed countries [1,2,3]
Multidisciplinary approach including neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and neuropathologists is the usual practice in treating patients with CNS tumors; most data on regional practice mostly come from Western countries [7]
We excluded 393 articles due to: a) primary CNS tumors were not the main topic; b) no author was affiliated with any institution from southeast Asian (SEA) countries; c) type of study design; and d) incomplete author affiliation data
Summary
The incidence of CNS cancer in developing nations has seen a percentage increase change from as low as 15% to as high as 80% in comparison to data last 2009 that cited highest incidence in developed countries [1,2,3]. The world population is estimated at 7.8 billion with Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand included in the top 20 largest countries by population [4]. These southeast Asian (SEA) countries are projected to grow by 4.9% in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2024 [5]. Multidisciplinary approach including neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and neuropathologists is the usual practice in treating patients with CNS tumors; most data on regional practice mostly come from Western countries [7]. This study aimed to objectively measure the impact of published studies on primary brain tumors in SEA and to assess for correlation with socioeconomic determinants and burden of disease
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
