Gefitinib versus Docetaxel in Treated Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of gefitinib and docetaxel in treated patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods. A literature search was performed using PubMed and CNKI databases for relevant keywords and the Medical Subject Headings. After further full-text screening, 10 clinical trials were included in the final meta-analysis. Specific odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals were calculated. Results. The outcomes of treatment efficacy included disease control rates, quality-of-life improvement rates, 3~4 grade adverse events. Comparing gefitinib to docetaxel for NSCLC patients, the pooled odds ratios (OR) of disease control rates was 1.09, (95% confidential index [CI] = 0.84–1.43), the pooled OR of quality-of-life improvement rates was 2.49, (95% CI = 1.77–3.49), the pooled OR of 3~4 grade adverse events was 0.49, (95% CI = 0.32–0.75). Conclusion. Gefitinib was found to significantly improve patients’ quality-of-life and obviously decrease patients’ adverse events of 3~4 grade.There is no difference of disease control rates between gefitinib and docetaxel.