Identifying optimal first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors based regiments for advanced non-small cell lung cancer without oncogenic driver mutations: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the treatment pattern of advanced and metastatic NSCLC. A series of ICI based therapies have emerged in the first-line treatment field, but the comparative efficacy was unclear. METHOD: We searched multiple databases and abstracts of major conference proceedings up to Apri1, 2022 for phase III randomised trials of advanced driver-gene wild type NSCLC patients receiving first-line therapy. Outcomes analyzed included progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and et al. RESULTS: Thirty-two double-blind RCTs were included, involving 18,656 patients assigned to 22 ICI-based first-line regimens. A series of ICI regiments (including ICI plus chemotherapy), ICI monotherapy, doublet ICIs, doublet ICIs plus chemotherapy) emerged, and showed significant PFS and OS benefit than chemotherapy and chemotherapy + bevacizumab (BEV) for advanced wild-type NSCLC. In comprehensive terms of PFS, chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) were significantly more effective than ICI monotherapy and doublet ICIs. In terms of OS for patients with non-squamous NSCLC, pembrolizumab containing CIT was associated with a median rank of the best regimens, and followed by Atezolizumab+BEV based CIT; while for OS in patients with squamous NSCLC, Cemiplimab and sintilimab based CIT were the most effective regimens. For more than 2 years follow-up, the atezolizumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab and durvalumab containing ICI therapy all provide a durable long-term OS benefit over chemotherapy and BEV + chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present NMA represent the most comprehensive evidence, which might suggest or provide basis for first-line ICI therapy decision for advanced NSCLC patients without oncogenic driver mutations.