Meta-analysis of addition of PD-(L)1 inhibitor to first-line chemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer

Immunotherapy targeting PD-1 or PD-L1 has been successful in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Efficacy of the combination of anti-PD-(L)1 with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for ES-SCLC is not clear. Meta-analysis of six randomized studies (2600 patients) found that addition of PD-(L)1 inhibitor to first-line chemotherapy for ES-SCLC was associated with improved objective response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival, without increasing grade ≥3 adverse events.