Meta-Analysis of Efficiency of Medicines Prescribed in Metastatic Cancer: Focusing on Quality of Life and Life Span

Abbas Hameed Abdul Hussein 1, Ayad Abas Hasan 2, Ali Taha 3, Saif Yaseen Hasan 4, Anfal Nabeel Mustafa 5, Ahmed Abbas Sahib 6, Sarmd D. Noori 7
1Ahl Al Bayt University/ Kerbala/Iraq,
22college of media/ The Islamic university in Najaf, Iraq
3College of pharmacy, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
4National University of Science and Technology, Dhi-Qar, 64001, Iraq
5Department of Pharmacy, AlNoor University College, Nineveh, Iraq
6Mazaya University College/ Iraq,
7College of pharmacy, Al- Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq

ABSTRACT

Background: As metastatic malignancies are difficult to cure and manage, they are lethal. Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent metastatic malignancies (CRC). Consequently, numerous earlier research has focused on various CRC treatments, which still need to be correlated with CRC patients’ life expectancy and quality of life.

Aim: This study’s primary objective is to conduct a meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of medications recommended for metastatic cancer regarding the quality of life (QOL) and life expectancy.

Methods: For this investigation, research from 2006 to 2020 focused on treating CRC with various single and combination therapy was chosen. These English-language publications and articles focused on the efficacy outcomes of 5-FU- and capecitabine-based regimens. There were 25 selected papers (ORR=8, OS=7, PFS=7, and TTF=3). The statistical analysis was performed using Stata 13.

Results: The results demonstrated that the efficacy outcomes of both 5-FU-based and capecitabinebased regimens remained debatable. However, 5-FU administered intravenously was more effective and had fewer side effects.

Conclusion: This study indicated that the efficacy of the medicine in treating metastatic cancer is crucial for promoting longevity and quality of life. However, in this instance, 5-FU was more effective than capecitabine at extending patients’ lives and enhancing their quality of life.

Keywords:Metastatic Cancer, Quality of Life, Life Span, Meta-analysis, Colorectal Cancer, 5-FU, Capecitabine.