Comparison between trabectedin and doxorubicin in soft-tissue sarcomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: This study sought to evaluate the differences between trabectedin and doxorubicin in the treatment of soft-tissue sarcoma (STS). METHODS: Multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, were searched to retrieve relevant articles. Ultimately, the full text of 10 studies involving the use of trabectedin and doxorubicin in STS were reviewed. Review Manager 5.2 was used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the results of the selected articles. Forest plot, bias, and sensitivity analyses were carried out on the included articles. RESULTS: Ten papers that met the criteria were included in this analysis. STS patients receiving trabectedin had longer progression-free survival than those receiving doxorubicin [overall mean difference (MD) =1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.68, I(2)=6%, fixed-effects model]. The experimental group also had a longer overall survival period than the control group (MD =3.92, 95% CI: 0.23, 7.60, P=0.04 and I(2)=83%, random-effects model), and the experimental group had a better disease control rate than the control group (relative risk =1.2, P=0.03 and I(2)=45%, fixed-effects model). From the publication bias analysis and sensitivity analysis, we can guarantee the results are robust and unbiased. DISCUSSION: Our research showed that STS patients who received trabectedin had better clinical effects and a longer survival time than those who received doxorubicin.