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Review

PD-L1 expression as a predictive biomarker in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: updated survival data

    Pedro N Aguiar

    Division of Medical Oncology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

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    ,
    Ramon Andrade De Mello

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: ramondemello@doctors.org.uk

    Department of Biomedical Sciences & Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal

    Division of Medical Oncology, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral & Liverpool, UK

    Catterbridge Cancer Centre, Clatterbridge Health Park, Clatterbridge Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, UK

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    ,
    Peter Hall

    Department of Oncology, Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK

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    ,
    Hakaru Tadokoro

    Division of Medical Oncology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

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    &
    Gilberto de Lima Lopes

    Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA

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    Published Online:5 May 2017https://doi.org/10.2217/imt-2016-0150

    Abstract

    Aim: The treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer has changed after the development of the immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although the most studied biomarker is PD-L1 expression, its clinical significance is still debatable. In this article, we show the updated survival analysis of all published data. Methods: We searched in network and conference data sources for relevant clinical studies of immunotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer that assessed the PD-L1 expression even as an exploratory analysis. The updated survival hazard ratios (HR) were included in the analysis. Results: 14 studies with 2857 patients were included (2019 treated with immunotherapy). The response rate was as higher among PD-L1-positive patients (RR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.63–2.94). PD-L1 expression was also related to better progression-free survival (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.57–0.85) and better overall survival (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.67–0.89). Conclusion: PD-L1 overexpression predicts activity as well as better survival for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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