Author Randomization Blinding Clear aims stated? Justified sample size? Comparable at baseline Administration discrepancies
Castro et al. 2003 [38] 2:1 allocation to active group based on size of tumour Double blinded. Physicians, patients and sponsor unaware of allocation Yes 90 (60 active, 30 placebo) No statistically significant difference None
Georgiou et al. 2000 [39] Not specified Single blinded. Not specified Yes Not specified No statistically significant difference Trained person in community not specified
Jovic et al. 2008. [40] Not specified Single blinded Not specified Yes Not specified No statistically significant difference None
McNeely et al. 2004 [47] Computer generated code No blinding Yes 20 (10 active exercise, 10 control) More stages III and IV in active exercise group more stages I and IV in control group None
McNeely et al. 2008 [27] Computer generated code Single blinded. Independent assessors Yes 60 (30 active PRET, 30 control) No statistically significant difference None
Pfister et al. 2010 [48] Computer generated code Single blinded. Patients unaware of group Yes 58 Male > Female in control group. Uneven spread of histological diagnoses None
Plantevin et al. 2007 [41] Sealed coded envelopes Double blind. Independent anaesthetist and nurses. Patients sedated and separated Yes 42 (21 MNB, 21 placebo) Longer surgeries in MNB group None
Roussier et al. 2006 [42] Sealed coded envelopes Double blind. Nursing staff administered pain relief - not aware of allocation Yes 48 (24 epidural, 24 I.V) No statistically significant difference None
Saxena et al. 1994 [43] Not specified Double blinded double dummy technique Yes Not mentioned No statistically significant difference Not pharmacologically comparable doses of intervention
Singhal et al. 2006 [44] Sealed envelope containing random allocations Single blinded. VAS score assessed by blinded observer. Patients and staff aware of group Yes Not specified No statistically significant difference Administration not described for IV morphine group
Werner et al. 2002 [45] 2:1 allocation. No method mentioned Double blinded - identical packaging of syringes Yes 90 (60 active, 30 placebo) Male > Female in placebo group. More 1 grade tumours in active, metastases in placebo Any volume of gel up to 10 ml used
Wittekindt et al. 2006 [46] Nurse assigned patients to different groups Double blinded Physician and patient unaware of dose concentration Yes Not specified No statistically significant difference (Raw data not presented) None
Yagi et al. 1997 [35] No information No information Yes No information No statistically significant difference No information

MNB = mandibular nerve block; PRET = progressive resistance exercise training; VAS = Visual Analogue Scale.