Meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of nedaplatin-based regimens between squamous cell and non-squamous cell lung cancers

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) consists of several subtypes, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell lung cancer, large cell lung cancer, and other rarer types. Platinum-based regimens are currently the standard for treatment of advanced NSCLC. Nedaplatin is reportedly associated with a high response rate in squamous cell lung cancer. However, the relevant studies are small and mainly descriptive. The purpose of this meta-analysis was therefore to compare the efficacy of nedaplatin in squamous cell lung cancer with that in non-squamous cell lung cancer. Studies concerning nedaplatin-based regimens in NSCLC patients were retrieved from PubMed and EMBASE. The response rate for nedaplatin-based regimens in squamous cell lung cancer (ORR: 55.6%, 95% CI: 52.5-58.7%) was higher (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.17-2.05) than that for non-squamous cell lung cancer (ORR: 34.4%, 95% CI: 32.3-36.5%). In addition, Taxane plus nedaplatin produced a longer overall and progress-free survival than CPT-11 or gemcitabine plus nedaplatin. To verify these findings, future well-controlled clinical studies will be needed.