The efficacy and safety of angiogenesis inhibitors for recurrent ovarian cancer: a meta‑analysis

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of angiogenesis inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer (OC).

Methods: Electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to find eligible studies until August 10, 2021. The data on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR) were pooled. Furthermore, grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs) were investigated.

Results: A total of 13 studies with 3953 patients were included. Compared with control group, angiogenesis inhibitors resulted in significant improvement in PFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.61, 95%CI, 0.54-0.69), OS (HR = 0.88, 95%CI, 0.81-0.95), and ORR (odds ratio (OR) = 2.15, 95% CI, 1.74-2.65). However, angiogenesis inhibitors were associated with a higher risk of grade ≥ 3 AEs (relative risk (RR), 1.20, 95% CI, 1.04-1.38).

Conclusion: Angiogenesis inhibitors can improve ORR, PFS, and OS in patients with recurrent OC, but they can increase the incidence of AEs ≥ 3.