The Efficacy and Safety of Infliximab in Refractory Noninfectious Uveitis: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Background: Although infliximab has been recommended for the second-line treatment of seronegative spondyloarthropathy- or juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related uveitis, the issue of its systemic efficacy and safety in a broader diversity of refractory noninfectious uveitis is debatable. To assess the short-term and relatively long-term efficacy of infliximab in refractory noninfectious uveitis, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Wanfang Med Online were systematically searched from January 2005 to March 2020. Two investigators independently assessed eligibility. Data were independently collected by two investigators. The pooled proportions were estimated with patients for intraocular inflammation control and improvement of visual acuity. Pooled proportions with 95% credible intervals were computed. Study homogeneity was investigated using I2 statistics to quantify the percentage of variation across studies. To pool the results, the Mantel–Haenszel fixed-effects or random-effects models were used.Results: Of 2316 studies identified, 16 unique studies with 509 unique participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportions of intraocular inflammation control reached 92% (95% CI: 87%–98%; I2: 1%; p=0.42) and 95% (95% CI: 93%–97%; I2: 0%; p=0.91) in groups of ≤6- and ≥12-month follow-up durations. During the relatively long follow-up period, the pooled proportions of maintaining visual acuity stable or increasing at least one line reached 99% (95% CI: 96%–100%; I2: 0%; p=0.54) in the involved eyes. The corticosteroid-sparing effect of infliximab was also well demonstrated, with the proportion of corticosteroid-sparing success reaching 85.5% (112/131). Besides, about serious adverse events, 2.6% (13/500) of patients experienced hypersensitivity reactions, 2.4% (12/500) of patients experienced serious infections, 1.8% (9/500) of patients experienced autoimmune diseases, and 0.6% (3/500) of patients experienced neoplasia.Conclusions: This meta-analysis provided evidence that infliximab might be a promising choice in controlling inflammatory activity, gaining visual acuity, and sparing corticosteroid use with relatively few side effects when applied in treating refractory noninfectious uveitis.Systematic Review Registration: [website], identifier [registration number]

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Efficacy and safety of EUS-guided gastroenterostomy for benign and malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Endoscopy International Open ◽

10.1055/a-0996-8178 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 07 (11) ◽

pp. E1474-E1482 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Thomas R. McCarty ◽

Rajat Garg ◽

Christopher C. Thompson ◽

Tarun Rustagi

Keyword(s):

Gastric Outlet Obstruction ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Outlet Obstruction ◽

Clinical Success Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Serious Adverse Events ◽

Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Abstract Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel endoscopic procedure designed to facilitate sustained luminal patency in patients with gastric outlet obstruction. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS-GE for treatment of gastric outlet obstruction. Methods Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were performed through April 2019. Patients with benign and malignant gastric outlet obstruction were included. Measured outcomes included: immediate technical and clinical success as well as rate of serious adverse events (AEs). Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran Q test and I 2 statistics. Publication bias was ascertained by funnel plot and Egger regression testing. Results A total of five studies (n = 199 patients; 45.73 % male) were included in this study. Four retrospective studies and one prospective study were analyzed. Mean age of patients that underwent the EUS-GE procedure was 64.52 ± 1.37 years with a pooled mean follow-up period of 4.32 ± 1.65 months. In 21 % of patients (n = 43), gastric outlet obstruction was due to benign causes. Immediate technical success was 92.90 % (95 % CI; 88.26 – 95.79; I2 = 0.00 %) and reported in all studies. The clinical success rate of EUS-GE was 90.11 % (95 % CI; 84.64 – 93.44; I2 = 0.00 %). Serious AEs occurred in 5.61 % (95 % CI; 2.87 – 10.67; I2 = 1.67 %) of cases and were related to peritonitis, perforation, bleeding, and abdominal pain. Re-intervention rate was 11.43 % (95 % CI; 7.29 – 17.46; I2 = 17.38 %). Conclusions EUS-GE appears to provide an effective and safe minimally invasive alternative for treatment of benign and malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

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Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Treatment for Chronic Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pain Research and Management ◽

10.1155/2020/2537075 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Yuzhao Huang ◽

Qiufang Deng ◽

Liuqing Yang ◽

Jiahui Ma ◽

Ziyang Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Pain Relief ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Knee Function ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Ultrasound Guided

Background. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative disease associated with joint dysfunction and pain. Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency (RF) may be a promising therapy in the treatment of chronic pain for KOA patients. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided RF treatment for chronic pain in patients with KOA. Design. A systematic review was conducted, and a meta-analysis was carried out when possible. Setting. We examined the studies evaluating the clinical efficiency of ultrasound-guided RF on chronic pain in KOA population. Method. A systematic review for the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided RF treatment for pain management of KOA patients was carried out in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from the date of inception to February 2020, and a meta-analysis was conducted. The primary outcomes of pain intensity (visual analogue scale or numerical rating scale) and knee function [the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)] were evaluated from baseline to various follow-up times by random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistic and the potential sources of heterogeneity by subgroup and metaregression analyses, respectively. Results. Eight publications with 256 patients were included in the meta-analysis. RF could relieve pain with −4.196 of pooled mean difference and improve knee function by decreasing 23.155 points in WOMAC. Three patients had ecchymosis, two with hypoesthesia and one with numbness after the procedure, and improved within 6 months. Furthermore, study design and treatment target were the sources of heterogeneity by subgroup and metaregression analyses, accounting for 37% and 74% of variances, respectively. Target of genicular nerve achieved better pain relief than intra-articular or sciatic nerve. Sensitivity analysis showed that removal of any single study was unlikely to overturn the findings. Limitations. There were some limitations in the study. Firstly, the small number of relevant studies limited the confidence level of the meta-analysis. Also, the significant heterogeneity may not be explained due to the limited data. Secondly, the direct comparison of two different guidance methods (ultrasound vs. fluoroscopy) for RF therapy is lacking. In addition, the outcomes were blindly assessed in the meta-analysis from all studies according to evaluation of bias, which could affect the reality of the data. Finally, most of the studies only provided short follow-up times, so we could not analyze the long-term effectiveness of ultrasound-guided RF in the treatment of patients with KOA. Conclusions. Ultrasonography is an effective, safe, nonradiative, and easily applicable guidance method for RF in pain relief and functional improvement in KOA patients.

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Therapeutic efficacy of alternative primaquine regimens to standard treatment in preventing relapses by Plasmodium vivax: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Colombia Medica ◽

10.25100/cm.v46i4.2098 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 183-191 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lina Marcela Zuluaga Idarraga ◽

Maria Eulalia Tamayo Perez ◽

Daniel Camilo Aguirre Acevedo

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Relative Risk ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Standard Treatment ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Standard Regimen

Objective: To compare efficacy and safety of primaquine regimens currently used to prevent relapses by P. vivax. Methods: A systematic review was carried out to identify clinical trials evaluating efficacy and safety to prevent malaria recurrences by P. vivax of primaquine regimen 0.5 mg / kg / day for 7 or 14 days compared to standard regimen of 0.25 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Efficacy of primaquine according to cumulative incidence of recurrences after 28 days was determined. The overall relative risk with fixed-effects meta-analysis was estimated. Results: For the regimen 0.5 mg/kg/day/7 days were identified 7 studies, which showed an incidence of recurrence between 0% and 20% with follow-up 60-210 days; only 4 studies comparing with the standard regimen 0.25 mg/kg/day/14 days and no difference in recurrences between both regimens (RR= 0.977, 95% CI= 0.670 to 1.423) were found. 3 clinical trials using regimen 0.5 mg/kg/day/14 days with an incidence of recurrences between 1.8% and 18.0% during 330-365 days were identified; only one study comparing with the standard regimen (RR= 0.846, 95% CI= 0.484 to 1.477). High risk of bias and differences in handling of included studies were found. Conclusion: Available evidence is insufficient to determine whether currently PQ regimens used as alternative rather than standard treatment have better efficacy and safety in preventing relapse of P. vivax. Clinical trials are required to guide changes in treatment regimen of malaria vivax.

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Acute surgical vs non-surgical management for ocular and peri-ocular burns: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Burns & Trauma ◽

10.1186/s41038-019-0161-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Author(s):

Kevin M. Klifto ◽

Ala Elhelali ◽

Caresse F. Gurno ◽

Stella M. Seal ◽

Mohammed Asif ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Visual Acuity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Baseline Risk ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Epithelial Defect ◽

Reconstructive Procedures ◽

Surgical Interventions ◽

Ocular Burns

Abstract Background Burn-related injury to the face involving the structures of the eyes, eyelids, eyelashes, and/or eyebrows could result in multiple reconstructive procedures to improve functional and cosmetic outcomes, and correct complications following poor acute phase management. The objective of this article was to evaluate if non-surgical or surgical interventions are best for acute management of ocular and/or peri-ocular burns. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis compared 272 surgical to 535 non-surgical interventions within 1 month of patients suffering burn-related injuries to 465 eyes, 253 eyelids, 90 eyelashes, and 0 eyebrows and evaluated associated outcomes and complications. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were systematically and independently searched. Patient and clinical characteristics, surgical and medical interventions, outcomes, and complications were recorded. Results Eight of the 14,927 studies queried for this study were eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis, with results from 33 of the possible 58 outcomes and complications using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) and Cochrane guidelines. Surgery was associated with standard mean differences (SMD) 0.44 greater visual acuity on follow-up, SMD 1.63 mm shorter epithelial defect diameters on follow-up, SMD 1.55 mm greater changes in epithelial diameters from baseline, SMD 1.17 mm2 smaller epithelial defect areas on follow-up, SMD 1.37 mm2 greater changes in epithelial defect areas from baseline, risk ratios (RR) 1.22 greater numbers of healed epithelial defects, RR 11.17 more keratitis infections, and a 2.2 greater reduction in limbal ischemia compared to no surgical intervention. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis found that compared to non-surgical interventions, acute surgical interventions for ocular, eyelid, and/or eyelash burns were found to have greater visual acuity on follow-up, shorter epithelial defect diameters on follow-up, greater changes in epithelial diameters from baseline, smaller epithelial defect areas on follow-up, greater changes in epithelial defect areas from baseline, greater numbers of healed epithelial defects, more keratitis infections, and a greater reduction in limbal ischemia, possibility preventing the need of a future limbal stem cell transplantation.

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Efficacy and safety of Azithromycin and Amoxicillin/clavulanate for otitis media in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

10.21203/rs.3.rs-267554/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gabriel Tesfai ◽

Solomon Abay ◽

Eyasu Makonnen

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Otitis Media ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Statistical Significant Difference ◽

Effect Measure ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Amoxicillin Clavulanate

Abstract BackgroundResistance, prolonged therapy and more adverse reactions made amoxicillin less preferred for treating otitis media. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate for treatment of otitis media in children.MethodologyThis study was a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Cochrane library and Google scholar databases were searched. Comparative RCT studies between azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate to treat otitis media in children published up to 30 September 2019 were included. Risk of bias was assessed and Data was extracted by the first author and checked by second author. Meta-analysis was performed by STATA software version 16, and Mantel-Haenszel statistical method with effect measure odds ratio was employed for analysis.Result751 records were identified and 14 studies were eligible for analysis. In 12 studies azithromycin had equivalent clinical efficacy and 2 had less to amoxicillin/clavulanate. Meta-analysis results showed small statistical difference on efficacy in favor of amoxicillin/clavulanate after completion of treatment OR 0.75, 95% CI (0.62–0.91). On subgroup analysis for children less than 2 year (OR 0.96 95% CI (0.49–2.29), and greater than 2 year (OR 1.40 95% CI (0.93–2.11) and also efficacy on follow up (OR 0.97 95% CI (0.83–1.15) there is no statistical significant difference. The clinical adverse events are more in amoxicillin/clavulanate group than in azithromycin with statistical significant difference OR 0.46 95% CI (0.43–0.56).ConclusionAzithromycin is not inferior to amoxicillin/clavulanate to treat otitis media in children, and it is safer and more tolerable.

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Systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence on the efficacy of e-cigarette use for sustained smoking and nicotine cessation

10.1101/2020.11.02.20224212 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

E Banks ◽

A Yazidjoglou ◽

S Brown ◽

L Ford ◽

T Zulfiqar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Competing Interests ◽

Evidence Quality

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review and meta-analyse evidence regarding the efficacy of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as smoking cessation aids.Data SourcesPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library were searched up to February-March 2020 (PROSPERO registration CRD42020170692).Study selectionPublished peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the efficacy of ENDS for sustained cessation of combustible tobacco smoking and/or nicotine use, compared with no intervention, placebo or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) by intention-to-treat, with a minimum of four months follow-up.Data ExtractionData were extracted independently into a pre-specified template. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and evidence quality rated using GRADE.Data SynthesisFrom 3,973 titles identified, nine RCTs were identified; 330 of 5,445 smokers randomised quit. Smoking cessation did notPublic health consequences differ significantly for randomisation to ENDS versus: no intervention (three studies, random-effects meta-analysis RR 1.95; 95%CI 0.90-4.22); placebo (three studies, 1.61; 0.93-2.78) or NRT (three studies; 1.25; 0.74-2.11). Fixed-effects sensitivity analyses showed significant results for ENDS vs NRT (1.43; 1.10-1.86). Smokers randomised to ENDS were substantially more likely than control to use nicotine at follow-up. Overall evidence quality was low. Considering only studies without potential competing interests further limited evidence but did not materially change conclusions.ConclusionsThere is insufficient evidence that ENDS are efficacious for smoking cessation compared to no intervention, placebo or NRT. Results are promising, particularly for therapeutic use, but vary according to analytic method. ENDS may lead to greater ongoing nicotine exposure than other smoking cessation methods.ImplicationsThis systematic review and meta-analysis consolidates current evidence on the efficacy of ENDS as an aid to sustained smoking and nicotine cessation and considers these findings in the context of potential competing interests. While findings are promising more research - preferably independent of industry funding - is needed to provide robust evidence of the efficacy of ENDS for smoking cessation. Future research should investigate nicotine cessation in addition to smoking cessation.

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Sarcopenia as a predictor of all-cause mortality among older nursing home residents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021252 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. e021252 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Xiaoming Zhang ◽

Conghua Wang ◽

Qingli Dou ◽

Wenwu Zhang ◽

Yunzhi Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

All Cause Mortality

ObjectivesThis study aims to review the evidence of sarcopenia as a predictor of all-cause mortality among nursing home residents.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort studies.Data sourcesPubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles.ParticipantsNursing home residents.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAll-cause mortality.Data analysisSummary-adjusted HRs or risk ratios (RRs) were calculated by fixed-effects model. The risk of bias was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsOf 2292 studies identified through the systematic review, six studies (1494 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with a higher risk for all-cause mortality among nursing home residents (pooled HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.45, p<0.001, I2=0). In addition, the subgroup analysis demonstrated that sarcopenia was associated with all-cause mortality (pooled HR 1.87,95% CI 1.38 to 2.52, p<0.001) when studies with a follow-up period of 1 year or more were analysed; however, this was not found for studies with the follow-up period less than 1 year. Furthermore, sarcopenia was significantly associated with the risk of mortality among older nursing home residents when using bioelectrical impedance analysis to diagnosis muscle mass (pooled HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.53, p<0.001); whereas, it was not found when anthropometric measures were used to diagnosis muscle mass.ConclusionSarcopenia is a significant predictor of all-cause mortality among older nursing home residents. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat sarcopenia to reduce mortality rates among nursing home residents.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018081668

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Association Between Diabetic Retinopathy and Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnagi.2021.692911 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Dihe Cheng ◽

Xue Zhao ◽

Shuo Yang ◽

Guixia Wang ◽

Guang Ning

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Microvascular Complications ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Related Disorder

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus. However, its correlation with another diabetes-related disorder, cognitive impairment, has not been well studied. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between DR and cognitive impairment. MEDLINE (PubMed), the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched for observational studies that reported an association between DR and cognitive impairment. Data from selected studies were extracted, and a meta-analysis was conducted using fixed-effects modeling. Fifteen observational studies were included in the systematic review, and 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio of the association between DR and cognitive impairment was 2.24 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.89–2.66; I2 = 0.8%). The hazard ratio of the association between DR and cognitive impairment was significant in four studies, ranging from 1.09–1.32. Minimal or mild DR was not significantly associated with cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR], 2.04; 95% CI, 0.87–4.77). However, the association between proliferative DR and cognitive impairment (OR, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.79–7.12; I2 = 16.6%) was not stronger than the association between moderate or worse DR and cognitive impairment (OR, 4.26; 95% CI, 2.01–9.07; I2 = 0.0%). DR is associated with cognitive impairment, and screening for DR will be helpful for the early identification of individuals with cognitive impairment. Further studies are needed to confirm the association between proliferative DR and cognitive impairment.

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Efficacy and safety of azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate for otitis media in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials ◽

10.1186/s12941-021-00434-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Gabriel Dawit ◽

Solomon Mequanent ◽

Eyasu Makonnen

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Otitis Media ◽

Adverse Reactions ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Effect Measure ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Amoxicillin Clavulanate

Abstract Background Resistance, prolonged therapy, and more adverse reactions made amoxicillin less preferred for treating otitis media. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate for the treatment of otitis media in children. Methodology This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Cochrane library, and Google scholar databases were searched. Comparative randomized clinical trial studies between azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate to treat otitis media in children published up to 30 September 2019 were included. The risk of bias was assessed and Data was extracted by the first author and checked by the second author. Meta-analysis was performed by STATA software version 16, and Mantel–Haenszel statistical method with effect measure odds ratio was employed for analysis. Result 751 records were identified and 14 studies were eligible for analysis. In 12 studies azithromycin had equivalent clinical efficacy and 2 had less to amoxicillin/clavulanate. Meta-analysis results showed no statistically significant difference in efficacy in favor of amoxicillin/clavulanate after completion of treatment OR 0.75, 95% CI (0.62–0.91). On subgroup analysis for children less than 2 years (OR 0.96 95% CI (0.49–2.29), and greater than 2 years (OR 1.40 95% CI (0.93–2.11) and also efficacy on follow up (OR 0.97 95% CI (0.83–1.15) there is no statistically significant difference. The clinical adverse events are more in the amoxicillin/clavulanate group than in the azithromycin with a statistical significant difference OR 0.46 95% CI (0.43–0.56). Conclusion Azithromycin is comparable to amoxicillin/clavulanate to treat otitis media in children, and it is safer and more tolerable.

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Efficacy and safety of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor agents for the treatment of oesophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046352 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e046352

Author(s):

Lijuan Zhang ◽

Yanli Song ◽

Nan Jiang ◽

Yaqi Huang ◽

Bo Dong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Oesophageal Cancer ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Growth Factor Receptor ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Positive Effects

ObjectivesDespite remarkable advances in the treatment of oesophageal cancer (OC), the role of antiepidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) agents in treating OC remains controversial. Herein, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to elucidate the efficacy and safety of anti-EGFR agents in patients with OC.DesignMeta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) identified by searching the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform databases from inception to December 2019. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.SettingRCTs from any country and healthcare setting.ParticipantsPatients with OC.InterventionsCombination therapy with anti-EGFR agents and conventional treatments versus conventional treatments alone in patients with OC.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOverall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were primary outcome measures, and objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and treatment toxicities were secondary outcome measures.ResultsIn total, 25 RCTs comprising 3406 patients with OC were included. Overall, anti-EGFR treatment significantly improved the OS (HR: 0.81, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.89, p<0.00001), ORR (relative risk (RR): 1.33, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.52, p<0.0001) and DCR (RR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.34, p<0.0001) but not PFS (HR: 0.91, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.08, p=0.26). Anti-EGFR treatment was significantly associated with higher incidences of myelosuppression, diarrhoea, acne-like rash and hypomagnesaemia.ConclusionsOverall, anti-EGFR agents have positive effects on OS, the ORR and DCR in OC. However, considering the high incidence of adverse effects, such as myelosuppression, diarrhoea, acne-like rashes and hypomagnesaemia, careful monitoring of patients with OC is recommended during anti-EGFR treatment.Trial registration numberCRD42020169230.

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