Methodological issues in observational studies comparing the effectiveness of colorectal treatment strategies in older adults: A scoping review protocol

Introduction: Older adults face a high risk of developing colorectal cancer, and yet, they are underrepresented in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Consequently, there is insufficient data to guide evidence-based management strategies for this population. With the digitalisation of health records, interest in leveraging observational data to complement findings from RCTs has grown. This scoping review aims to identify methodological issues in observational studies comparing the effectiveness of colorectal cancer treatment strategies in adults aged 70+. Methods: We will conduct a scoping review based on the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework with the extension proposed by Levac and colleagues. Searches will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and then full texts using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria; disagreements will be handled by consensus or the involvement of a third reviewer. Findings will be described narratively along with Tables. Ethics and dissemination: This review does not require ethical approval. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented in scientific events.