Which is the best Chinese herb injection based on the FOLFOX regimen for gastric cancer? A network meta- analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND

Few studies have directly compared clinical efficacy and safety among Chinese herb injections (CHIs) for gastric cancer (GC). The present study aimed to compare CHIs combined with FOLFOX regimens for GC to show which provides the best CHIs results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

9 electronic databases and 6 gray literature databases were comprehensive searched in April 20, 2013. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers independently selected and assessed the included trials. The risk of bias tool described in the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0 and CONSORT statement were used to assess the quality of the trials. All calculations and graphs were performed and produced using ADDIS 1.16.5 software.

RESULTS

A total of 541 records were searched and 38 RCTs met the inclusion criteria (2,761 participants), involving 10 CHIs. The results of network meta-analysis showed that compared with FOLFOX alone, combinations with Kanglaite, Astragalus polysaccharides, Cinobufacini, or Yadanziyouru injections could furthest strengthen ORR, improve the quality of life, reduce nausea and vomiting, and reduce the incidence of leukopenia (III-IV).

CONCLUSIONS

Kanglaite injection, Astragalus polysaccharides injection, Yadanziyouru injection were superior to other CHIs in clinical efficacy and safety for GC. The conclusions now need to be confirmed by large sample size direct head-to-head studies.