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Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and patient-level meta-analysis

Q. Janssen, S. Buettner, M. Suker, Berend R. Beumer, Pietro Addeo, Philippe Bachellier, N. Bahary, T. Bekaii-Saab et al.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2019

283 participants · 288 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND

FOLFIRINOX is a standard treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. The effectiveness of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) remains debated.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and patient-level meta-analysis on neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX in patients with BRPC. Studies with BRPC patients who received FOLFIRINOX as first-line neoadjuvant treatment were included. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), resection rate, R0-resection rate, and grade 3-4 adverse events. Patient-level survival outcomes were obtained from authors of the included studies and analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

We included 24 studies (8 prospective, 16 retrospective), comprising 313 (38.1%) BRPC patients treated with FOLFIRINOX. Most studies (n=20) presented intention-to-treat results. The median number of administered neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX cycles ranged from 4 to 9. The resection rate was 67.8% (95% CI: 60.1 - 74.6), the R0-resection rate was 83.9% (95% CI: 76.8 - 89.1). The median OS varied from 11.0 to 34.2 months across studies. Patient-level survival data was obtained for 20 studies representing 283 BRPC patients. Patient-level median OS was 22.2 months (95% CI: 18.8 - 25.6), patient-level median PFS was 18.0 months (95% CI: 14.5 - 21.5). Pooled event rates for grade 3-4 adverse events were highest for neutropenia (17.5 per 100 patients, 95% CI: 10.3…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 283 participants or records.

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