Set reliable hypothesis when using ICEMAN to assess credibility of subgroup analysis. Authors' reply.

The article responds to a letter regarding a meta-analysis of the HOT-ICU and HOT-COVID trials, focusing on subgroup analyses, particularly for cancer patients. The authors used ICEMAN to assess credibility and found significant interactions for patients with COVID-19 and cancer. Despite a low credibility rating, the study suggests that cancer patients may require different oxygenation targets in the ICU, although further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. The authors acknowledge the complexity of the relationship between cancer and oxygenation but maintain their initial hypothesis based on the study's findings. [Extracted from the article]