The efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant nimotuzumab for gastric cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of neoadjuvant nimotuzumab for gastric cancer remained controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy of neoadjuvant nimotuzumab plus chemotherapy vs chemotherapy for gastric cancer. METHODS: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through May 2019, and included randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of neoadjuvant nimotuzumab plus chemotherapy vs chemotherapy for gastric cancer. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. There were 128 patients included in intervention group and 131 patients included in control group. Overall, compared with chemotherapy for gastric cancer, neoadjuvant nimotuzumab plus chemotherapy showed no substantial influence on response rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.78–1.89; P = .38), disease control rate (RR = 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.32–15.40; P = .42), rash (RR = 1.26; 95% CI = 0.96–1.66; P = .10), neutropenia (RR = 1.26; 95% CI = 0.96–1.66; P = .10), anemia (RR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.62–1.89; P = .78), or nausea (RR = 1.19; 95% CI = 0.96–1.48; P = .12), but might improve the incidence of vomiting (RR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.03–2.50; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant nimotuzumab might provide no additional benefits to the treatment of gastric cancer.