A Meta-Analysis to Assess the Efficacy of HER2-Targeted Treatment Regimens in HER2-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC)

Recent trials provide evidence that HER2 is a potential new target for patients with colorectal cancer. While HER2-positive tumors do not show a very encouraging response to anti-HER2-positive agents like trastuzumab alone, promising results have been observed when combined with other synergistically acting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Our meta-analysis was conducted following the Cochrane Handbook and written following the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42022338935. After a comprehensive search for relevant articles, 14 CTs were identified and uploaded to Rayyan, and six trials were ultimately selected for inclusion. The meta-analysis revealed that a median of three prior lines of therapy was used before enrolling in the six trials comprising 238 patients with HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The pooled objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 31.33% (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.27-38.39) and 74.37% (95% CI 64.57-84.17), respectively. The pooled weighted progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.2 months. The pooled ORR and DCR meta-analysis indicate a significant response to HER2-targeted therapy in this patient in HER2-positive mCRC. Additionally, a pooled PFS of 6.2 months suggests that HER2-targeted treatment regimens are associated with a meaningful improvement in survival outcomes in this population.