A Meta-Analysis of Induction Therapy for Advanced Thymic Epithelial Tumors

This meta-analysis was designed to determine the effect of induction therapy and surgical resection on overall survival in patients with advanced thymic epithelial tumors. PubMed and Scopus databases were queried, and 12 studies comprising 266 patients were analyzed. Meta-analysis using a random effect model revealed a pooled rate of response to induction therapy of 59%, a pooled rate of complete resection of 73%, and pooled 5-year and 10-year overall survival of 87% and 76% after induction therapy, respectively. Surgical resection after induction therapy for advanced thymic epithelial tumors can be undertaken with favorable outcomes.