Efficacy and safety of EGFR inhibitors and radiotherapy in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of EGFR inhibitors combined with (chemo)radiotherapy in unresectable, locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Materials & methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective trials was performed. Results: Twenty-eight studies of 1640 patients were included. In patients harboring EGFR-sensitive mutations, the pooled objective response rate, 1-year overall survival rate and 1-year progression-free survival rate of EGFR-TKIs + (chemo)radiotherapy were 0.803, 0.766 and 0.554, respectively. Compared with chemoradiotherapy, the addition of EGFR inhibitors did not significantly increase the risk of grade ≥3 pneumonitis and esophagitis. Conclusion: EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with (chemo)radiotherapy are tolerable and the clinical benefit is promising, especially in patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations.