PD-L1 expression as a predictive biomarker in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: updated survival data

Abstract

Aim: The treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer has changed after the development of the immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although the most studied biomarker is PD-L1 expression, its clinical significance is still debatable. In this article, we show the updated survival analysis of all published data.

Methods: We searched in network and conference data sources for relevant clinical studies of immunotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer that assessed the PD-L1 expression even as an exploratory analysis. The updated survival hazard ratios (HR) were included in the analysis.

Results: 14 studies with 2857 patients were included (2019 treated with immunotherapy). The response rate was as higher among PD-L1-positive patients (RR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.63-2.94). PD-L1 expression was also related to better progression-free survival (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.57-0.85) and better overall survival (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.67-0.89).

Conclusion: PD-L1 overexpression predicts activity as well as better survival for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Keywords: PD1; anti-PDL1; clinical trials; lung cancer; meta-analysis; nivolumab; non-small-lung cancer; pembrolizumab.