The association between Ki-67 expression and the clinical pathological characteristics of colorectal cancer: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND This study will explore the association between Ki-67 expression and clinical pathological characteristics (CPC) of colorectal cancer (CC). METHODS We will search relevant studies from electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China Biology Medicine, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) from beginning to April 1, 2020 without language and publication time limitations. We will consider all case-controlled studies (CCSs) or randomized controlled studies (RCSs) investigating the association between Ki-67 expression and CPC of CC. We will appraise study quality of CCSs by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and RCSs by Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analysis will be carried out by Review Manager 5.3 software. RESULTS The present study will explore the association between Ki-67 expression and CPC of CC. CONCLUSION Its findings may summarize scientific evidence of the association between Ki-67 expression and CPC of CC, and may provide helpful evidence for clinical practice.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020173795.