The effectiveness of tivantinib for MET-high hepatocellular carcinoma: A protocol for meta analysis

The efficacy of tivantinib for MET-high hepatocellular carcinoma remains controversial. We conduct this meta-analysis to explore the efficacy of tivantinib versus placebo for MET-high hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through November 2022 and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and safety of tivantinib versus placebo for MET-high hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS: Three RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for MET-high hepatocellular carcinoma, tivantinib showed no obvious impact on overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52–1.13; P = .18) or progression-free survival (HR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.56–1.08; P = .14). In addition, tivantinib was associated with the increase in grade ≥3 neutropenia (odd ratio [OR] = 11.76; 95% CI = 2.77–49.89; P = .0008) and leukopenia (OR = 14; 95% CI = 1.68–116.82; P = .01), but demonstrated no impact on the incidence of grade ≥ 3 anemia (OR = 2.74; 95% CI = 0.14–53.43; P = .51). CONCLUSIONS: Tivantinib may not benefit to the treatment of MET-high hepatocellular carcinoma.