Background/aims: Conversion therapy can convert unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) into resectable. However, the optimal conversion regimen was not yet defined. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the triplet chemotherapy (FOLFOXIRI) plus bevacizumab (Bev) with doublet chemotherapy (FOLFOX/FOLFIRI) plus Bev in conversion therapy.
Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from databases, including Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane clinical trials, clinicaltrial.gov and some conferences, were searched from the inception to November 2017. The R0 resection, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and the incidence of adverse events were pooled with the use of hazard ratio (HR) or risk ratio (RR).
Results: Four RCTs with 1013 patients were included. FOLFOXIRI plus Bev regimen significantly improved the overall R0 resection rate (RR 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.85, I2=37%), liver R0 resection rate (RR 2.28, 95% CI 1.34-3.89, I2=0%), ORR (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09-1.32, I2=0%), PFS (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.62-0.84, I2=36%) and OS (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.97, I2=0%). There was no significant difference in any Grade≥3 adverse event (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.99-1.17, I2=0%) between two regimens. FOLFOXIRI-Bev was associated with a higher risk of neutropenia (RR 1.77, 95% CI 1.13-2.79, I2=68%) and diarrhea (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.17-2.32, I2=0%).
Conclusions: Triplet chemotherapy plus Bev significantly improved the R0 resection rates, ORR, PFS and OS in comparison with doublet chemotherapy plus Bev in conversion therapy for mCRC patients, with a higher risk of neutropenia and diarrhea.
Keywords: Bevacizumab; Colorectal cancer; Conversion therapy; Folfoxiri; R0 resection.
© 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.