Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials in Patients with Previously Treated Advanced Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: Comparisons Involving Ramucirumab

With relatively few direct comparisons among treatment options for previously treated advanced gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer, network meta-analysis (NMA) may inform evidence-based decision-making. Ramucirumab plus paclitaxel (RAM + PTX) is a preferred regimen in guideline recommendations. NMA of key outcomes may further characterize the relative clinical value of RAM + PTX.

A systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials of adult patients with previously treated advanced gastric/GEJ cancer informed a NMA which compared overall survival, progression-free survival, and discontinuations due to adverse events. Comparisons were reported relative to placebo/best supportive care (BSC) when possible, otherwise relative to RAM + PTX.

The base-case NMA focused on second-line treatment only, from 19 of 28 studies identified. For overall survival, seven of 16 regimens were favorable relative to placebo/BSC, with RAM + PTX as the most favorable. For progression-free survival, five of 14 regimens were unfavorable relative to RAM + PTX. For discontinuations due to adverse events, two of 13 regimens were similar to placebo/BSC: ramucirumab monotherapy and fluorouracil; relative to RAM-PTX, all regimens were similar except ramucirumab monotherapy which was favorable and irinotecan + cisplatin which was unfavorable.

This NMA of trials of previously treated gastric/GEJ cancer suggests that RAM + PTX has one of the more favorable clinical profiles.