Comparative analysis of systemic treatment with or without immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized gynecologic oncology, but their value in endometrial cancer remains unclear. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ICIs in combination with systemic treatment in this setting.

METHODS

We searched phase II and III randomized controlled trials comparing systemic therapy with or without ICIs for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. We conducted this meta-analysis in two stages, first evaluating any therapy with or without ICIs, then a comparison of chemotherapy alone or with ICIs only. The primary objective of our analysis was to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled using random-effects models. Individual patient data were reconstructed from Kaplan-Meier curves for further survival analysis. This meta-analysis is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025649698).

RESULTS

Six trials with a total of 3826 patients were included in this meta-analysis. In the intention-to-treat population, ICIs improved PFS with HR 0.71 [0.63; 0.81] 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI), p < 0.00001 and OS HR 0.79 [0.68; 0.93], p = 0.004. For dMMR patients, the benefit was pronounced for PFS, HR 0.40 [0.32; 0.49], p < 0.00001 and OS, HR 0.44 [0.33; 0.57], p < 0.00001. For pMMR patients, PFS was improved with HR 0.76, p = 0.002, but no survival benefit with HR at 0.90, p = 0.18.

CONCLUSION

The addition of ICIs to chemotherapy for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer significantly improves outcomes, especially for patients with a dMMR profile. For pMMR patients, the gain in PFS was evident, but OS remained immature.