Efficacy of Sorafenib in the Management of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction The current standard treatment approach for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is surgery. Recently, targeted therapy has emerged as a promising new treatment option. In this systematic review, the efficacy of sorafenib, when given alone or combined with erlotinib, in managing NSCLC is reviewed. Methods To identify English language studies published up to March 8th, 2024, the Google Scholar, CINAHL, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were screened, and the data were assessed. Results The systematic search revealed 208 papers; however, only 10 were eligible to be included. The sample size was 1080 patients, of which 848 were in the sorafenib group, and 232 were in the sorafenib with erlotinib combination group. In the sorafenib group, the partial response was 2.4%, stable disease was reported in 25%, and 56 cases (6.6%) had progressive disease. In the combination group, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease were 16.8%, 48.3%, and 19.8%, respectively. In the combination group, the median overall survival was 231 days, and the progression-free survival (PFS) was 141 days. However, in the sorafenib group, the median overall survival was 180 days, and the PFS was 82 days. Fatigue was the most common adverse event, reported in 325 (30.1%) patients. Among them, 235 cases (27.7%) were in the sorafenib group, and 90 cases (38.8%) were in the combination group. Conclusion Combination therapy may result in better overall survival and PFS than sorafenib alone, with slightly similar adverse events.