Effect of argon-helium cryoablation on intermediate and advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis

Objective To assess the survival rate and life quality of patients with intermediate and advanced non-small cell lung cancer（NSCLC） after argon-helium cryoablation. Methods Forty-four papers on treatment of intermediate and advanced NSCLC with argon-helium cryoablation were searched from PubMed,EMBASE,CBMdisc,CNKI and CMCC（1990-2008） with key words "lung cancer" and" argon-helium cyroablation".The papers were evaluated by two independent reviewers.A meta-analysis was performed for those meeting the inclusion criteria using the Review Manager 5.0.18 software. Results Of the 5 papers included in this study,two reported that the tumor became smaller after argon-helium cyroablation,but did not after argon-helium cyroablation in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.No difference was found in survival time after argon-helium cyroablation and argon-helium cyroablation in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.The KPS score of patients was higher after argon-helium cyroablation than after argon-helium cyroablation in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Conclusion Argon-helium cyroablation can improve the life quality of patients with intermediate and advanced NSCLC,while argon-helium cyroablation in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy does not show any clinical advantages over argon-helium cyroablation and even decreases the life quality of such patients.