Capecitabine plus irinotecan versus 5-FU/leucovorin plus irinotecan in the treatment of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

The XELIRI regimen and FOLFIRI regimen are used as the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. A comparison of findings from different studies that examined the efficacy and safety of these 2 regimens often show conflicting results. This metaanalysis compared the XELIRI and FOLFIRI regimens in the treatment of mCRC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Six studies comparing the safety and efficacy of XELIRI- and FOLFIRI-based treatment of mCRC were identified from MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar (until January 31, 2013) databases.

RESULTS

No significant difference in ORR, PFS, or OS between XELIRI and FOLFIRI as first-line therapy in patients with colorectal cancer was found in this analysis. Except for XELIRI being associated with a higher incidence of diarrhea, both treatment regimens had similar safety profiles.

CONCLUSION

Both XELIRI and FOLFIRI regimens had similar efficacy as first-line treatment in patients with mCRC with similar adverse event profiles. Our findings suggest that XELIRI and FOLFIRI are appropriate first-line treatment options for mCRC patients.