Cetuximab in combination with chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A meta-analysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aims and objectives of this study are to investigate the efficacy and safety of chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with or without cetuximab in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, VIP, Chinese biomedicine literature database, and WANFANG database for relevant articles. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated, and data were analyzed using RevMan 5.0 software. RESULTS: Ten relevant articles (783 patients) were identified. The results were complete response rate; the response rate was significantly better in the cetuximab plus CCRT (C225+CCRT) group than the CCRT group. The partial response and 3-year-overall survival rates were not significantly different between the two groups. Regarding adverse effects, myelosuppression was observed in the CRRT group and the C225+CCRT group; the main toxicity was mucositis and rash, but no significant statistical difference was observed. CONCLUSION: The combination of cetuximab and CCRT was more effective for NPC than CCRT alone and had no serious side effects.