Efficacy of UFT combined with radiotherapy in advanced pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background Tegafur–uracil (UFT) combined with radiotherapy is a treatment option for advanced pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall efficacy and safety of this combination therapy and explore potential factors associated with treatment outcomes. Method The meta-analysis was in line with the PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases were searched for eligible studies. The outcomes variables were objective response rate (ORR) and adverse drug reaction (ADR). Pooled proportions were synthesized using meta-analysis method with a random-effect model. Influential publication was determined by performing a sensitivity analysis. In addition, the potential sources of heterogeneity were examined using subgroup analyses. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot, Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Results The 7 observational studies, included for the SRMA, were conducted between 2004 and 2016, involving secondary data of 237 patients who underwent UFT combined with radiotherapy. We found that the pooled ORR of UFT combined with radiotherapy was 38% (95% CI: 13% to 67%, P < 0.001), with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 94.25%, P < 0.001). The pooled ADR was 21% (95% CI: 10% to 34%, P < 0.001), with a high heterogeneity (I 2 = 76.25%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that patient age and UFT dosage were critical factors influencing outcomes. Specifically, compared with other doses, UFT (250 mg/m2/day) had a higher ORR (69%, 95% CI: 56% to 81%) and a lower ADR (6%, 95% CI: 1% to 14%). Conclusion UFT combined with radiotherapy is an effective and tolerable treatment strategy for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, with a pooled ORR of 38% and an ADR of 21%. Age of the patients and drug dosage were significant determinants of treatment outcomes. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings in large-scale randomized controlled trials. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261377332 , identifier, CRD420261377332.