Predictors for clinical benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Aim: In this meta-analysis, we evaluated several predictors of benefit to single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients & methods: Using the random-effect model, we assessed the comparative efficacy of ICIs over chemotherapy according to age, gender, smoking history, PD-L1 status and CNS involvement. Results: Eight randomized trials were selected. In comparison to chemotherapy, ICIs demonstrated significant progression-free survival (PFS) superiority in ever-smoker, male and PD-L1 positive subgroups. Never-smoker was an unfavorable factor for ICIs. Female and PD-L1 nonexpressing patients demonstrated similar PFS between ICIs and chemotherapy. ICI's PFS benefit wasn't influenced by age or CNS involvement. The overall survival (OS) benefit of ICIs was consistent across all subgroups, except for never-smokers. Conclusion: Male, ever-smoker and positive PD-L1 are indicative of benefit to ICIs in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer.