BACKGROUND

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Fluorouracil (FU)/Leucovorin (LV)/Oxaliplatin compared to FU/LV in treating advanced colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Two independent researchers identified and extracted all relevant literature using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library Database. The regimens included arm A (FU/LV) and arm B (FU/LV/Oxaliplatin) with no other chemotherapy agent.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) fulfilled the requirements. All RCTs showed superiority of FU/LV/Oxaliplatin to FU/LV when measuring RR (response rate) and PFS (progression-free survival); no significant improvement in OS (overall survival) was observed. This meta-analysis shows a better RR for the FU/LV/Oxaliplatin group (OR 4.02, 95% CI 2.37-6.82, p<0.00001). The incidence of grade 3/4 toxicities, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, vomiting, neurological toxicity, toxicity-related dose modification and discontinuation was higher in the FU/LV/Oxaliplatin group, while the incidence of anemia, nausea and diarrhea was not different.

CONCLUSION

FU/LV/Oxaliplatin offers better efficacy (RR and PFS) than FU/LV in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. The incidence of grade 3/4 toxicities, i.e. neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, vomiting, neurological toxicity, is significantly higher in the FU/LV/Oxaliplatin than in the FU/LV group but these are manageable or reversible.