Sign in Subscribe
Cancer research

Combination Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Liver Metastases

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University have conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and liver metastases. The study aimed to determine the most effective first-line ICI combination regimen to guide clinical treatment decisions. The researchers synthesized existing literature and conducted a network meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 1,291 patients and 11 ICIs combination regimens.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy remarkably improved overall survival (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41-0.98) in patients with NSCLC and liver metastases.
  • Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26-0.74) and pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.90) were superior to other treatments for progression-free survival.
  • PD-1 inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, combined with chemotherapy have shown greater efficacy than PD-L1 inhibitors, particularly for non-squamous cell carcinoma.
  • High-grade adverse events, including hepatotoxicity, were more frequent in patients with liver metastases.
  • The researchers recommend enhanced monitoring of liver function due to the risk of hepatotoxicity.
  • Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and optimize individualized treatment strategies.

Statistics:

  • 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis.
  • 1,291 patients were involved in the studies.
  • 11 ICIs combination regimens were evaluated.
  • Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy improved overall survival (PFS) by 64% (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41-0.98).
  • Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy improved PFS by 44% (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26-0.74).
  • Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy improved PFS by 59% (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.90).
  • 95% of patients experienced hepatotoxicity.

Sources:

  • BMC Cancer. The efficacy and safety of immune combination therapy in patients with driver gene-negative non-small cell lung cancer with liver metastasis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. 2025,25(1):1-14. (BMC Cancer - http://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com).
  • Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University. Researchers Report Research in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (The efficacy and safety of immune combination therapy in patients with driver gene-negative non-small cell lung cancer with liver metastasis: a ...). Immunotherapy Weekly. September 3, 2025; p 349.

Read more