The role of biological therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer after first-line treatment: a meta-analysis of randomised trials.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Biologic agents have achieved variable results in relapsed metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Systematic meta-analysis was undertaken to determine the efficacy of biological therapy.

Methods

Major databases were searched for randomised studies of mCRC after first-line treatment comparing (1) standard treatment plus biologic agent with standard treatment or (2) standard treatment with biologic agent with the same treatment with different biologic agent(s). Data were extracted on study design, participants, interventions and outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the MERGE criteria. Comparable data were pooled for meta-analysis.

Results

Twenty eligible studies with 8225 patients were identified. The use of any biologic therapy improved overall survival wit

SUBMITTER: Segelov E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4453848 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature