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Chinese medicine combined with EGFR-TKIs in EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC: a meta-analysis of efficacy and safety

Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Objective: For advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) therapy is the primary treatment, but drug resistance and side effects reduce its effectiveness. Integrating Chinese and Western medicine is a key focus in cancer treatment. This study evaluates the clinical benefits of combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with EGFR-TKI, summarizing TCM syndromes and medication traits. Methods: We searched six databases for relevant clinical studies. A meta-analysis assessed progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse reactions, with subgroup analysis by EGFR mutation type. A TCM syndrome network was created to examine syndrome distribution and core prescription patterns. Results: = 0.04), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 89%), and reduced targeted-agent-related adverse reactions. Qi-Yin and Lung-Spleen deficiency were the dominant TCM syndromes, managed via Qi-tonifying, Yin-nourishing and spleen-strengthening regimens. Conclusion: Integrating TCM with EGFR-TKI enhances tumor control and treatment safety in advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations, showing consistent efficacy across various mutation types. This approach, which considers clinical syndrome differentiation and medication patterns in Chinese medicine, offers evidence-based guidance for personalized treatment. This review was performed following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261398486, identifier CRD420261398486.
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1942222
Authors: Xiaohong Li, Die Qian, Shuai Liu, Mingmin Na, Bihong Dai, Chunping Wan
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7221452652
FWCI:
Cites: 26
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Related to: 10