Shenqifuzheng injection combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shenqifuzheng (SQFZ) injection combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted an electronic search by using PubMed, EMBASE, ASCO, ESMO and Chinese National Knowledge Infratructure (CNKI), databases. The randomized controlled trials about Shenqifuzheng injection combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer were reviewed and collected. Pooled odds ratio (OR) for the response rate and KPS improvement were calculated using the software MetaAnalyst 3.1.

RESULTS

Fifteen trials met our inclusion criteria and finally included in this meta-analysis. The objective response rate (ORR) in patients treated with Shenqifuzheng injection combined with chemotherapy was much higher than that of chemotherapy only (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.20-2.29) with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The pooled data showed the combined treatment can significant increase the Karnofsky score (KPS) compared with the chemotherapy only (OR = 3.74, 95% CI: 2.66-5.27 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SQFZ injection combined with chemotherapy treatment regimen can improve the clinical efficacy and performance status in patients with advanced gastric cancer compared with chemotherapy alone.