Data were entered into the JGCA database according to the JGCA Classification of gastric carcinoma, 13th edition and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) TNM Classification of malignant tumors, 5th edition by using an electronic data collecting system.
Primary and secondary outcome variables, information gathered during intake and hospitalization and all complications, additional surgery, adverse events and withdrawals will be entered by the researcher into an electronic data capture system (Acumen Healthcare Solutions, LLC, Plymouth, Minnesota, USA).
Data is entered by the local centers into an electronic data capture system.
Data were collected retrospectively by physicians and documented using an electronic Data Collection Form.
Clinical data were abstracted retrospectively by designated study staff into an electronic data capture system from initial consultation through establishment of a definitive diagnosis (ie, pathology results) or a minimum 2-year follow-up.
All sites will enter data into an electronic data capture system developed by Outcome Sciences, Inc. (Cambridge, MA, USA).
The local health departments submit all case information, including laboratory data and questionnaire results, to the NYSDOH by a secure electronic data collection system.
The database is managed by an independent electronic data-capture provider (Lambda Plus, SA, Gembloux, Belgium).
Therefore, the study did not require approval by an ethical committee nor by the electronic data protection commission.
