Efficacy and Safety of Anti-PD-(L)1 Treatments: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Asian vs Non-Asian Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is prevalent in Asia. Since 2019, anti-programmed cell death protein-1 or programmed death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-[L]1s) have become a mainstay of ESCC treatment. However, many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of anti-PD-(L)1s were conducted in Asian populations; thus, the applicability of these data to non-Asian cohorts is uncertain. To address this, we conducted a meta-analysis across first- (1L) and second-line (2L) RCTs in advanced/metastatic ESCC.

Methods

RCTs were identified from 2 systematic literature reviews, targeting adults receiving anti-PD-(L)1s at 1L and 2L. Three meta-analyses were performed, testing for heterogeneity and treatment effect (overall survival [OS] or progression-free survival) in the ove

SUBMITTER: Ajani J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12771487 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature