Meta-analysis of association of ICIs with patient-reported outcomes in randomized trials

The association of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with patient quality of life has been poorly explored. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 randomized clinical trials involving 18,709 patients assessing ICIs as part of treatment for advanced malignancies versus control groups not containing immunotherapy found that the pooled between-group differences of patient-reported outcome of mean change from baseline to 12 and 24 weeks of follow-up and time to deterioration favored ICI groups. The authors conclude that ICIs have a favorable association with patient quality of life and may be combined with other anticancer drugs without worsening quality of life.