The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment sequence of advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the current knowledge on the use of immunotherapy in patients with advanced gastric(G)/gastroesophageal(GEJ) cancers.

Materials and methods: A meta-analysis was done to evaluate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs) in G/GEJ cancer both in the unselected population and in that stratified for combined positive score (CPS)≥ 1 and ≥ 10 patients.

Results: In the unselected population the result showed 21%(P < 0.00001), and 29%(P < 0.00001) reduction of death and progression risk for patients treated with ICIs compared without ICIs, while in CPS≥ 1 and≥ 10 populations, the result showed a death reduction of 19%(P = 0.001) and 33%(P < 0.00001) respectively, and, and 23% (P < 0.00001) and 43% (P < 0.00001) progression risk reduction respectively, for patients treated with and without ICIs.

Conclusion: overall survival(OS) and progression free survival(PFS) data obtained in our meta-analysis, are in favor to use ICIs in association with standard first line chemotherapy for G/GEJ cancer patients regardless to CPS status.

Keywords: Advanced gastric cancer; Chemotherapy; Gastroesophageal-junction cancer; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Immune checkpoint inhibitors chemotherapy association; Immunotherapy.