Volumetric Assessment of Optic Pathway Gliomas: A Scoping Review Protocol

Title: Volumetric Assessment of Optic Pathway Gliomas: A Scoping Review of Measurement Methods, Reliability, and Clinical Applications Research Question: What volumetric measurement methods have been used for pediatric optic pathway gliomas, and what evidence exists regarding their reliability, validation, and clinical utility? Methods Summary: This scoping review follows PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We will systematically search PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies published 2000–2026 involving pediatric patients (≤21 years) with optic pathway gliomas that report volumetric tumor measurement. Eligible study designs include cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, case series (≥5 patients), and methodological studies. We will exclude case reports, conference abstracts without full text, review articles, and studies using only 2D measurements without volumetric comparison. Screening will be conducted in two phases: (1) title/abstract screening and (2) full-text review. Data will be extracted using a standardized form capturing study characteristics, volumetric measurement methods (manual, semi-automated, automated), reliability metrics (ICC, Dice coefficient, kappa), validation approaches, and clinical outcomes. Results will be synthesized narratively and presented in summary tables. No formal critical appraisal is planned, consistent with scoping review methodology. The primary objective is to map the existing evidence on OPG volumetric measurement to identify gaps and inform future tool development for standardized surveillance. Author: Perry H. Martin, MSN, BSN, RN, DNP-FNP Student, UAB School of Nursing Contact: phmartin@uab.edu