Chemoprophylaxis Effect of EGCG on the Recurrence of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Curr Pharm Des. 2024;30(33):2643-2651. doi: 10.2174/0113816128319678240612114820.

Abstract

Background and aims: The recurrence rate of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) after cure is always high. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether green tea extract (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has an effective preventive effect on the recurrence of CRC.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the effects of taking EGCG or placebo on disease recurrence in patients after colon polyp removal.

Results: Five Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included in this review. A double-blind drug trial involving 1389 participants involved EGCG and placebo. The results showed no significant publication bias or heterogeneity in the five studies (I2 = 38%; p = 0.17). Patients taking EGCG had a lower recurrence rate of CRC than those in the placebo group. The results were statistically significant (Z=2.83, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that long-term EGCG can prevent CRC recurrence to a certain extent.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; EGCG; chemoprophylaxis; green tea extract; malignant tumour.; recrudescence.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Catechin* / administration & dosage
  • Catechin* / analogs & derivatives
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / diet therapy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local* / prevention & control
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Tea* / chemistry

Substances

  • Catechin
  • epigallocatechin gallate
  • Tea