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Updated: May 5, 2026
Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
Published on: October 30, 2016
Efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a single-arm meta-analysis
Jiao Yang1, Xinyu Xue1, Yanfeng Ma1
1Department of Hematology and Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Background:
With the advent of asparaginase-based drugs, patients with natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) have achieved excellent efficacy. However, the prognosis is poor in patients with advanced disease, and even worse in relapse/refractory patients. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor monotherapy or combination treatment strategies in patients with NKTCL.
Method:
Seven databases were extensively searched from inception to November 2023 and updated in April 2024, with no language restrictions. The pooled overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were calculated via a random effects model. Heterogeneity was tested utilizing the I-square (I2) test and Cochrane's Q test. Subgroup analysis was used to compare the effects of single PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors or combination treatment in NKTCL patients.
Results:
A total of thirteen single-arm studies involving 460 patients were enrolled. The results revealed that the pooled ORR was 62% (95% CI: 48-76%). In terms of survival outcomes, the pooled 1-year OS was 67% (95% CI: 47-87%) and the 2-year OS was 47% (95% CI: 24-69%). Moreover, the 1-year and 2-year PFS rates were 66% (95% CI: 48-84%) and 59% (95% CI: 34-84%), respectively. With regard to treatment toxicity, the pooled incidence of all-grade AEs was 86% (95% CI: 79-93%), and the pooled incidence of grade 3 or higher AEs was 29% (95% CI: 22-36%). Leukopenia and hypoalbuminemia were identified as the most common hematologic and non-hematologic adverse events, respectively.
Conclusion:
Evidence suggests that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are promising treatment options for newly diagnosed NKTCL patients. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy or chidamide has demonstrated superior clinical efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory NKTCL.
Trial Registeration:
Open Science Framwork: osf.io/2bwh3.
Insights
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 inhibitors show promise for natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL). Combination therapies, including with chemotherapy, improve outcomes for relapsed/refractory NKTCL patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Hematology
Background:
- Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) treatment efficacy improved with asparaginase, but advanced or relapsed/refractory cases have poor prognoses.
- This meta-analysis evaluates PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in NKTCL, assessing monotherapy and combination strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 inhibitor treatments in natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) patients.
- To compare outcomes of single-agent PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors versus combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- A systematic meta-analysis of 13 single-arm studies involving 460 patients with NKTCL.
- Searched seven databases from inception to April 2024, calculating pooled overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) using a random effects model.
- Subgroup analysis compared monotherapy and combination treatment effects.
Main Results:
- The pooled overall response rate (ORR) was 62%.
- One-year and two-year overall survival (OS) rates were 67% and 47%, respectively. One-year and two-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 66% and 59%.
- Overall adverse events (AEs) occurred in 86% of patients, with 29% experiencing grade 3 or higher AEs. Leukopenia and hypoalbuminemia were most common.
Conclusions:
- PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors represent a promising treatment avenue for newly diagnosed NKTCL.
- Combination therapies, particularly with chemotherapy or chidamide, demonstrated superior clinical efficacy in relapsed/refractory NKTCL patients.
