Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cancer remains a major global health burden. Combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may potentially mitigate treatment-related side effects and improve the quality of life for cancer patients. To critically evaluate the clinical efficacy of this combination therapy, a meta-analysis was performed.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across six databases. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12. Heterogeneity was explored through subgroup analysis and meta-regression. The robustness of results was assessed via sensitivity analysis and publication bias.

Results

41 studies were included. The TCM + ICIs group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes compared to the ICIs group across multiple endpo

SUBMITTER: Ke Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12615493 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature