PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

作者：Xiaohan Liu, Zhiyuan Shang, Jiawei Gao, Nan Jiang, Jinpeng Wang, Dan Zhou, Yan Gui · 发表于：BMC Cancer · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1186/s12885-025-15229-y · 被引用次数：4 · 研究领域：Head and Neck Cancer Studies、Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers、Esophageal Cancer Research and Treatment

BACKGROUNDS: The treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(LA-NPC) is challenged by recurrence and metastasis(R/M), and even though concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CRT) is the standard regimen, new strategies are urgently needed to improve patient prognosis. In recent years, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, as an important representative of immunotherapy, have shown potential in several studies. However, systematic evidence on the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in LA-NPC is insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in LA-NPC treatment by systematic review and meta-analysis methods. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (as of March 2025) using subject terms combined with free words to include all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors for LA-NPC. The primary outcome metrics were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 2 studies involving 575 participants were included. This meta-analysis showed that patients who received PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy combined with CRT had improved PFS (HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18–0.89) and EFS (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38–0.92). For distant metastasis rate and locoregional recurrence rate, PD-1 inhibitor monothera...