What is known and Objective
Aflibercept, a recombinant protein designed to suppress the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathway, has been used in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We conducted the first meta‐analysis to systematically review the efficacy and safety of aflibercept in mCRC.
Methods
PubMed Central/Medline, Embase and cochrane library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials and single‐arm clinical trials on aflibercept plus chemotherapy for the treatment of mCRC through 9 September 2021.
Results
Ten studies comprising 2049 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimate rates were 16.0% for 12mPFS, 64.4% for 12mOS, 32.5% for ORR, 83.5% for DCR, while the rates of III/IV AEs rate were 80.2% respectively. The pooled estimate rates were 16.8% for III/IV diarrhoea, 22.3% for III/IV hypertension, 29.5% for III/IV neutropenia, 7.3% for III/IV proteinuria and 8.6% for III/IV oral mucositis.
Conclusions
Analysis of data from randomized controlled trials(RCT) and single‐arm clinical trials confirmed the good efficacy of aflibercept plus chemotherapy in mCRC, while the safety of the treatment is concerning.
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