Systematic meta-analysis of the toxicities and side effects of the targeted drug lenvatinib

Lenvatinib, an effective targeted drug for various cancers, has clinical medication safety concerns due to its toxicities and side effects. This study evaluated lenvatinib-induced any adverse events (any AEs) and nine aspects: vascular toxicities related to the circulatory system (vascular toxicities, blood system, and heart), toxicities of the skin and its appendages (skin/subcutaneous tissue and taste system), toxicities of the respiratory system (respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal and respiratory tract), toxicities of the nervous system (nervous system and general), toxicities of the digestive system (gastrointestinal and liver), toxicities of the urinary system, toxicities of the endocrine and metabolic system (endocrine and metabolism/nutrition), toxicities of the musculoskeletal system, and other severe toxicities. Toxicities and side effects were stratified by severity into any and ≥3 grades for analysis. Multiple databases were searched for lenvatinib cancer clinical studies (cohort studies and randomized controlled trials) from inception to December 31, 2024; toxicity and side effect data were extracted and analyzed. Nine high-quality studies were included, showing that lenvatinib is effective in cancers but has notable toxicities. Taking hypertension as an example, for any grade, the risk ratio (RR) was 2.34 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of [2.09, 2.62], a Z-value of 14.74, and a <i>P</i>-value &lt;0.00001; for grade ≥3, the RR was 2.60 with a 95% CI of [2.21, 3.06], a Z-value of 11.44, and a <i>P</i>-value &lt;0.00001. Lenvatinib is effective for cancer but toxic, and this study supports its rational clinical use. This systematic meta-analysis of lenvatinib (a targeted anticancer drug) clarifies its toxicities and side effects across various cancers, addressing the lack of integrated toxicity data for clinical decision-making.By synthesizing data from 9 high-quality studies, the research confirms that lenvatinib’s therapeutic efficacy is accompanied by significant toxicities and side effects (e.g., elevated hypertension risk), providing actionable evidence for safe clinical use. This systematic meta-analysis of lenvatinib (a targeted anticancer drug) clarifies its toxicities and side effects across various cancers, addressing the lack of integrated toxicity data for clinical decision-making. By synthesizing data from 9 high-quality studies, the research confirms that lenvatinib’s therapeutic efficacy is accompanied by significant toxicities and side effects (e.g., elevated hypertension risk), providing actionable evidence for safe clinical use. Examined the toxicities and side effects of the targeted drug lenvatinib in the treatment of various cancers.Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the toxicities and side effects of lenvatinib across 16 aspects.Included 9 high-quality studies, revealing that lenvatinib’s efficacy was accompanied by significant toxicities and side effects.Taking hypertension as an example, lenvatinib increased the risk of toxicities and side effects of any grade, including grade ≥3.The study provides a scientific basis for the rational clinical use of lenvatinib. Examined the toxicities and side effects of the targeted drug lenvatinib in the treatment of various cancers. Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the toxicities and side effects of lenvatinib across 16 aspects. Included 9 high-quality studies, revealing that lenvatinib’s efficacy was accompanied by significant toxicities and side effects. Taking hypertension as an example, lenvatinib increased the risk of toxicities and side effects of any grade, including grade ≥3. The study provides a scientific basis for the rational clinical use of lenvatinib.