Open comment allows key stakeholders to critically review and identify any errors or gaps in a draft guideline prior to its finalization and publication. It allows for greater transparency in the ASCO guideline development process and complies with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Council for Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) standards for guideline development. In addition, open comment enables ASCO to engage interested stakeholders (especially patients/patient advocacy groups), provide a higher-quality product to the membership, and facilitate implementation and dissemination efforts.

ASCO Guidelines will be available for open comment for a 2- to 3-week period. Reviewers will submit their comments through a Survey Monkey form. Prior to viewing the recommendations, reviewers must electronically sign the non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement on the first page of the form. Reviewers must identify themselves by name and affiliation; anonymous comments will not be accepted. Guidelines staff will review and summarize comments and bring relevant comments to the guideline panel chairs, and to the entire panel if necessary. Any changes made from the open comment process will be reviewed by the entire panel prior to ASCO Evidence-Based Medicine Committee (EBMC) approval. Comments are advisory only and ASCO is not bound to make any changes based on feedback from open comment. ASCO will not respond to reviewers or post any responses to comments.

Available for Open Comment ​

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Guideline Protocol is available for Open Comment from April 22, 2024 to May 6, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.

Recommendations for the Use of White Blood Cell Growth Factors Guideline Protocol is available for Open Commment from April 22, 2024 to May 6, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.

Upcoming Open Comment Periods

There are currently no upcoming Open Comment periods. Please check again soon.

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