The Effect of Interferon Type I Adjuvant Therapy on the Lifespan and Complications of Glioma Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Background The malignant glioma, as the most common and aggressive primary brain and spinal cord neoplasm, has shown limited responsiveness to available treatments, including tumor dissection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Thus, interferon type I, as a supplemental therapy, is added to the main therapies to overcome neoplasm resistance and prolong the patients' lifespan. Methods To clarify the effects of interferon adjuvant therapy on the lifespan and complications of glioma patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis by searching valid databases, scanning, and screening full texts based on a predefined protocol for the study. Results Seven studies were eligible for data synthesis and analysis. Lifespan, tumor progression, adverse events, and genetic factors were studied and analyzed in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. The median overall survival (OS) and median progression‐free survival (PFS) were increased as a result of the supplemental therapy. However, only the median OS was significantly improved (OS: HR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.58, 0.96; p = 0.02/PFS: HR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.74, 1.18; p = 0.56). Additionally, interferon adjuvant therapy could affect the toxic events of alkylating drugs; Flu‐like and neurological events were significantly exacerbated (odds ratio = 3.31, 95% CI 1.20, 9.08; p = 0.02, odds ratio = 6.15, 95% CI 2.20, 17.22; p = 0.0005), while dermatological events were effectively alleviated as a result of interferon therapy (odds ratio = 0.29, 95% CI 0.10, 0.84; p = 0.02). Variation of the hematological and hepatic events was not statistically significant (odds ratio = 1.06, 95% CI 0.52, 2.17; p = 0.87, odds ratio = 1.06, 95% CI 0.67, 1.66; p = 0.81). Conclusion Despite the development of a few adverse events, interferon type I supplemental therapy in combination with radiation and chemotherapy could significantly extend the lifespan of glioma patients.