Optimal First-line Immune-related Therapy Selection for Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
摘要
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy improve survival in advanced gastric cancer (AGC), comparative evidence across first-line regimens remains insufficient. This study aimed to systematically evaluate their relative efficacy and safety.
MethodsPubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and major conferences were searched up to February 28, 2025. Eligible RCTs comparing ICI-related regimens as first-line AGC treatment were included. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).
ResultsEleven RCTs involving 8,999 patients, six integrated strategies, and twelve specific regimens were included. Dual-target ICI-chemo and single ICI-chemo showed significant survival benefits over chemotherapy, whereas dual ICIs±chemo and single ICI alone did not. Dual-target ICI-chemo was associated with significantly better survival than both dual ICIs±chemo and single ICI±chemo. Among the specific regimens, cadon-chemo achieved the most favorable OS and PFS. No significant OS differences were observed among the single ICI-chemo regimens. In PD-L1-positive subgroups, both dual-target ICI-chemo and single ICI-chemo significantly improved survival compared with chemotherapy, with cadon-chemo being most effective in CPS ≥ 10 and CPS ≥ 1, and SHR1701-chemo in CPS ≥ 5. In the CPS < 5 subgroup, dual-target ICI-chemo significantly improved OS, while single ICI-chemo showed a trend toward benefit. However, no ICI-based strategy demonstrated benefit in CPS < 1.
ConclusionsDual-target ICI-chemo appears to be the most effective first-line strategy for AGC based on current indirect evidence, surpassing single ICI-chemo and dual ICI-based regimens. These findings support personalized therapy selection but await confirmation by head‑to‑head trials. Future studies should address CPS < 1 and explore optimized combinations to enhance outcomes.
Graphical Abstract