ObjectivesTo collect the methodology and original articles on the published cohort multiple randomized controlled trial (cmRCT), and evaluate the development and application of cmRCT.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect studies on cmRCT from inception to September 2019. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies, then qualitative analysis was conducted.ResultsA total of 21 studies were enrolled, including 5 original studies and 16 methodology studies. The design of cmRCT was proposed in year 2010 and continuous progress was observed, including aspect of informed consent and statistical analysis, etc. This design has been mainly utilized for chronic diseases (oncology etc.) in Europe; most of these ongoing studies were unpublished. However, to our knowledge, there were none published Chinese original studies or protocols using cmRCT design.ConclusionscmRCT design has been continuously developed and applied since its introduction. This design can be considered in Chinese studies based on Chinese large cohorts to provide more evidence for disease prevention and treatment.