Cochrane has published one of its first prognostic model reviews, via the EMD Editorial Service. Prognostic model reviews combine multiple factors to produce a model to estimate the risk of future outcomes in individuals with a particular disease or health condition. A useful model provides accurate predictions to support decision making by individuals and caregivers.
The review Prognostic models for newly-diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis looks at how well tools predict what happens with adults with newly‐diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) over time. The review authors found that there is no reliable way to predict what might happen over time to people who have (untreated) CLL. One reason is because the prediction tools have not been tested enough times with enough different people to know how well they really work. Also, researchers continue to develop more effective CLL treatment options that have better results, and the prediction tools have not kept up with advances in treatment.