Systematic review and meta-analysis of Endostar (rh-endostatin) combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Many studies have investigated the efficacy of Endostar combined with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy (PBDC) versus PBDC alone for treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study is a meta-analysis of available evidence.

Methods

Fifteen studies reporting Endostar combined with PBDC versus PBDC alone for treating advanced NSCLC were reviewed. Pooled odds ratios and hazard ratio with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using either the fixed effects model or random effects model.

Results

The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of Endostar combined with PBDC for treating NSCLC were significantly higher than those of PBDC alone, with 14.7% and 13.5% improvement, respectively (P < 0.00001). In addition, the time to progression (TTP) and quality of life (QOL) were improved after the treatment of Endostar combined with PBDC (P < 0.00001). The main adverse effects found in this review were hematological reactions, hepatic toxicity, and nausea/vomiting. Endostar combined with PBDC had a similar incidence of adverse reactions compared with PBDC alone (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Endostar combined with PBDC was associated with higher RR, DCR, and TTP as well as superior QOL profiles compared with PBDC alone. Endostar combined with PBDC had a similar incidence of adverse reactions compared with PBDC alone.

[Anti-angiogenic agents in the treatment of lung cancer: indications and toxicities]

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways in combination with standard chemotherapy can improve response rate and survival in non-small cell lung cancer. Since October 2006, a new class of drugs targeting angiogenesis has been introduced for the treatment of advanced lung cancer. Bevacizumab, an antibody directly targeting VEGF was the first agent to be approved. Other small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the VEGF receptor are also active in the treatment of advanced lung cancer and are currently under development. Most of these new drugs are well tolerated though potentially significant toxicities such as haemoptysis and hypertension have been observed. This article will review these new-targeted anti-angiogenic agents with a focus on their use in lung cancer and on their important side effects.