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A Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials Comparing Combination Therapy as Second-line Treatment With
Kai-Xiang Zhao1, Yan-Fang Zhang2, Lei Zheng3
1Department of Thoracic Surgery.
Background:
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors are standard therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutation; however, resistance is common. Combinatorial strategies have been explored to improve survival. This meta-analysis assesses the efficacy and safety of combination therapy versus monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC who failed first-line EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment.
Methods:
We searched randomized controlled trials from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrial.gov. The efficacy and toxicity of combination treatment groups were assessed in terms of progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs).
Results:
This meta-analysis included 6 randomized controlled trials covering 785 participants. The results showed that the combined regimen arm had no significant improvement of PFS (log hazard ratio = -0.228, 95% CI: -0.543 to 0.087, P = 0.157), ORR (odds ratio = 1.147 [95% CI: 0.577, 2.281], P = 0.695), DCR (odds ratio = 1.578 [95% CI: 0.428, 5.821], P = 0.493), and AEs, including fatigue and diarrhea (odds ratio = 0.833 [95% CI: 0.297, 2.333], P = 0.728 for fatigue and odds ratio = 2.268 [95% CI: 0.544, 9.448], P = 0.261 for diarrhea).
Conclusions:
Combination therapy may not provide a significant improvement in PFS, ORR, DCR, and incidence of AEs compared with monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations. Further research is needed to investigate the optimal sequencing of combination therapy in patients with NSCLC with different molecular targets to determine the most effective treatment strategy that can improve outcomes and quality of life for these patients.
Insights
Combination therapy did not significantly improve outcomes for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who failed EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies for improved survival and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are standard for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs is a significant clinical challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Combinatorial approaches are being explored to overcome resistance and improve patient survival.
Approach:
- A systematic meta-analysis was conducted, searching major scientific databases for relevant randomized controlled trials.
- Included studies focused on patients with advanced NSCLC who had progressed on first-line EGFR-TKI therapy.
- Efficacy outcomes (progression-free survival, overall response rate, disease control rate) and safety (adverse events) were rigorously assessed.
Key Points:
- The meta-analysis included 6 randomized controlled trials with 785 participants.
- Combination therapy showed no statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival, overall response rate, or disease control rate compared to monotherapy.
- The incidence of adverse events, including fatigue and diarrhea, was also not significantly different between combination and monotherapy groups.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence suggests that combination therapy does not offer a significant survival or response benefit over monotherapy for advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations post-first-line TKI failure.
- Further investigation is crucial to determine optimal sequencing and combinations targeting diverse molecular alterations in NSCLC.
- Identifying effective strategies is essential to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
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