A systematic review on the comparison of FOLFIRI and FOLFOX based chemotherapies in the treatment of metastatic colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Metastatic colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death. FOLFIRI and FOLFOX based chemotherapies are known as first line treatments of metastatic colorectal cancer and they are used widely. In this systematic review, a search of PubMed, Google Scholar and www.ClinicalTrials.gov were conducted in order to find the data. Association between efficacy, adverse effects, outcomes and targets of drugs used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer were systematically identified. The study included 13 clinical trials that comprised 2021 patients who received the FOLFIRI and FOLFOX based chemotherapies. Among all the FOLFIRI based chemotherapies, AFLIBERCEPT plus FOLFIRI based combination had higher PFS, higher OS and lower adverse effects. On the other hand, patients receiving panitumumab Plus mFOLFOX6 combination had higher ORR and higher median PFS in comparison to other mFOLFOX6 based chemotherapies. However, AFLIBERCEPT plus FOLFIRI based combination was more efficient but less effective than Panitumumab Plus mFOLFOX6 combination.