First-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus sunitinib for advanced renal cell carcinoma: 8-year follow-up results from CheckMate 214

The phase 3 CheckMate 214 trial, at 175 centers in 28 countries, randomized patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) 1:1 to first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab (n=550) or sunitinib (n=546). Results of the trial after median duration of follow-up 99.1 months have now been published. Overall survival, progression-free survival, and duration of response were significantly longer with nivolumab plus ipilimumab than with sunitinib. Incidence or treatment-related adverse events was consistent with previous reports. The authors conclude that with the longest phase 3 follow-up for a first-line checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy in aRCC, superior survival and durable response benefits were maintained with nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus sunitinib, with a manageable safety profile.