Efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitors for treating advanced melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: We conducted a meta-analysis to systematically review the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors for advanced melanoma. Study design: The relevant studies of the randomized controlled trials in melanoma patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors were retrieved and the systematic evaluation was conducted. Databases were searched till June 2018. Results: PD-1 inhibitors significantly improved the progression-free survival, overall survival and overall response rate in patients with advanced melanoma. Progression-free survival, overall survival and overall response rate did not vary significantly according to PD-L1 status, V-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) mutations and type of drug, but varied significantly by control therapy. PD-1 inhibitors were associated with a decreased risk of adverse events compared with ipilimumab, but an increased risk of immune-related events compared with chemotherapy. Conclusion: The PD-1 inhibitors-containing therapy was efficacious in treating advanced melanoma.