Comparison of the effects of lenvatinib and sorafenib on survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aimThe first-line systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involves the use of sorafenib and lenvatinib. The present meta-analysis attempted to compare the therapeutic safety and effectiveness of the two drugs in advanced HCC.MethodsThe library databases of Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify eligible studies comparing the long-term outcomes of sorafenib and lenvatinib use in advanced HCC patients. Overall survival (OS) was considered the primary endpoint, whereas the progression-free survival (PFS), severe adverse events (AEs), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR) were considered the secondary endpoints.ResultsThe present systematic review included 8 nonrandomized studies and 1 randomized controlled trial, comprising a total of 1, 914 cases. OS in patients receiving lenvatinib was better than that in patients receiving sorafenib [hazard ratio (HR): 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.45]. Additionally, patients who received lenvatinib exhibited better PFS, ORR, and DCR (HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79–0.99), [odds ratio (OR: 7.50, 95% CI: 4.43–12.69)], (OR: 7.50, 95% CI: 4.43–12.69), but higher incidences of AEs than those receiving sorafenib (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08–1.53).ConclusionLenvatinib is superior to sorafenib in treating unresectable HCC patients.