Gemcitabine-based combination therapy compared with gemcitabine alone for advanced pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies and chemotherapy is an effective strategy for advanced pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine (GEM) is one of first-line agents. However, GEM-based combination therapy has shown promising efficacy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of GEM-based combination therapy versus GEM alone in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search of literature was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed based on the inclusion criteria from all eligible randomized controlled trials. The outcome indicators included overall survival (OS), 6-month survival, 1-year survival, progression-free survival/time-to-progression (PFS/TTP), and toxicities. RESULTS: A total of nine randomized controlled trials involving 1661 patients were included in this meta-analysis. There was significant improvement in the GEM-based combination therapy with regard to the OS (HR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.95, P=0.003), PFS (HR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.65-0.90, P=0.002), 6-month survival (RR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17, P=0.03), and the overall toxicity (RR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.52-1.86, P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the 1-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: GEM-based combination chemotherapy might improve the OS, 6-month survival, and PFS in advanced pancreatic cancer. However, combined therapy also added toxicity.