Comprehensive adjusted outcome data are needed to assess the impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients with COVID-19: Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-2022

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Determining how prior immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy influences outcomes in cancer patients presenting with COVID-19 is essential for patient management but must account for confounding variables.

METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting adjusted effects of ICIs on survival, severe events, or hospitalisation in cancer patients with COVID-19 based on variables including age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension (HTN), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other comorbidities. When adjusted effects were unavailable, unadjusted data were analysed.

RESULTS: Of 42 observational studies (38 retrospective), 7 reported adjusted outcomes for ICIs and 2 provided sufficient individual patient data to calculate adjusted outcomes. In eight studies, adjusted outcomes were based on ≤7 variables. Over all studies, only one included >100 ICI patients while 26 included

CONCLUSIONS: Across studies with adjusted and unadjusted results, ICIs did not alter outcomes significantly. But studies with comprehensive adjusted outcome data controlling for confounding variables are necessary to determine whether ICIs impact COVID-19 outcomes in cancer patients.

Volume

32

Issue

5

First Page

2352

Last Page

2352

ISSN

1099-1654

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

35416370

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

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