Impact of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy on short- and long-term outcomes in advanced pancreatic cancer: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives: We analyzed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the impact of PERT on weight change, quality of life, and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC). Methods: All RCTs indexed in PubMed, Medline and Scopus, databases reporting PEI in APC and the effect of PERT were included up to August 2020. The primary outcome measure was OS and the secondary outcome measures were weight change and quality of life. Results: Four RCTs including 194 patients (107 males) were analyzed. Ninety-eight (50.5%) patients received PERT treatment. Treatment with PERT did not show a significant effect on OS (SMD 0.12, 95% confidence interval -0.46-0.70, p = 0.46). There was no difference in change in body weight (SMD 0.53, 95% confidence interval -0.72-1.77, p = 0.21). Quality of life was not significantly different in those taking PERT compared to controls. Conclusions: This meta-analysis found no significant difference in OS, change in weight or quality of life with use of PERT in APC. However, non-uniform designs and different end points , along with smaller number of patients, limit a more in-depth analysis of outcomes. Further, RCTs are warranted to support evidence of routine use of PERT in APC.

Automated summary

This study analyzed four RCTs and found that the use of PERT in APC patients did not significantly affect OS, weight change, or quality of life. However, due to non-uniform designs, different endpoints, and a smaller number of patients, more RCTs are needed to support routine use of PERT in APC.