Meta-analysis of the incidence and risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events associated with anti-EGFR agents in non-small-cell lung cancer patients

Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2016 Oct;9(10):1389-1395. doi: 10.1080/17512433.2016.1220830. Epub 2016 Aug 25.

Abstract

Background: To determine the risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events (ATEs and VETs) associated with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) agents in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods: Prospective randomized trials evaluating therapy with or without anti-EGFR agents in NSCLC patients. Data on VTEs and ATEs were extracted.

Results: A total of 8,410 patients from 12 trials were included for analysis. Anti-EGFR agents significantly increased the risk of all-grade and high-grade VTEs (Peto OR 1.50, 95%CI 1.16-1.95, P = 0.002; Peto OR 1.73, 95%CI: 1.32-2.26, p < 0.001, respectively), but not for all-grade and high-grade ATEs.

Conclusion: The use of anti-EGFR agents significantly increased the risk of all-grade and high-grade VTEs but not for ATEs in NSCLC patients.

Keywords: Anti-EGFR agents; arterial thromboembolic events; meta-analysis; venous thromboembolic events.