ASCO Guidelines Methodology Manual

To learn more about the ASCO guideline development process, access the full ASCO Guideline Methodology Manual.

ASCO Clinical Practice Guidelines are evidence-based products based on a systematic review of the literature and use an evidence-based consensus approach to guideline development. ASCO also has a process for consensus-based guideline development for clinical questions which lack sufficient evidence. ASCO expert panels have also convened to draft reports, including the Use of Biosimilar Medications in Oncology report, published in January of 2022. The ASCO Policy Statement on Biosimilar and Interchangeable Products in Oncology was published in April 2023 as a companion.

ASCO uses the GRADE evidence framework when developing guidelines. Watch the video below to learn more about GRADE.

Watch the video below to learn more about ASCO's guideline development process.

ASCO Guidelines Conflict of Interest Policy

ASCO requires conflict of interest (COI) disclosure by individuals involved in drafting, reviewing, and approving guideline recommendations and sets limits on the financial relationships that panel members and reviewers can have with companies that could reasonably be affected by care delivered in accordance with guideline recommendations. ASCO's Conflict of Interest Policy for Clinical Practice Guidelines provides details on the management of potential COI through each phase of guideline development.

All funding for ASCO-led guideline projects is provided by ASCO.

Resource-Stratified Guidelines

ASCO also develops Resource-Stratified Guidelines to increase guidance on cancer prevention and care around the world by addressing variations in the availability of resources. Read more on the methods and opportunities for ASCO Resource-Stratified Guidelines in our JCO GO article.

Opportunities for Collaboration

Official Representative Requests

Organizations may request official ASCO representatives to serve on an expert panel for a guideline to be developed by their organization. Organizations should strive to follow standards for guideline development that have been established by the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM). To request Official ASCO Representatives, please complete the ASCO Representative Form and submit it to the Guidelines team.