Efficacy and safety of trilaciclib to prevent chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in advanced solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Trilaciclib is a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor that has shown promise in mitigating chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (CIM). This meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive and clinically relevant quantification of trilaciclib's effectiveness in reducing CIM and its potential impact on outcomes in adult patients with solid tumors.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating trilaciclib administered along with chemotherapy in adult patients (≥ 18 years) with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and major trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, ICTRP) up to May 21, 2025. Primary outcomes were incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia (FN), need for granulocyte-colony stimulating factors (G-CSF)/erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA), and need for red blood cell/platelet transfusions. Efficacy endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR). Pooled odds ratios (OR) or hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the robustness of results and sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Ten studies with a total of 979 patients were included, with 586 receiving trilaciclib alongside chemotherapy and 393 receiving chemotherapy alone. Pooled analysis showed that trilaciclib decreased the incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia by 79% (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.08-0.52; I2 = 71%), febrile neutropenia (FN) by 75% (OR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.14-0.46; I2 = 0%), grade 3/4 anemia by 60% (OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.28-0.57; I2 = 0%), and reduced ESA use by 56% (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.26-0.77; I2 = 0%). Significant improvements were also observed in PFS (HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66-0.90; I2 = 0%) and OS (HR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.36-0.94; I2 = 72%). Trilaciclib use was not associated with a significant increase in the incidence of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Trilaciclib significantly reduced CIM and the need for hematopoietic support during chemotherapy. It also showed a positive impact on efficacy outcomes without compromising chemotherapy effectiveness or increasing toxicity. Overall, our findings support trilaciclib's evolving role as a promising adjunct to chemotherapy protocols in appropriately selected patients.