Immune checkpoint inhibitors use and effects on prognosis of COVID-19 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: The influence of prior exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection remains unknown.
Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from the inception of each database through August 8, 2020. We included studies that reported ICI use in cancer patients and their prognosis in the context of COVID-19. Raw data from the included studies were pooled to determine effect estimates. Chi-squared and I2 tests were used to calculate heterogeneity among the included studies.
Results: Eighteen studies were included for the systematic review, and 8 of those were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with prior ICI treatment exhibited a higher rate of hospitalization (OR [odds ratio] 2.6, 95% CI 1.45-4.68, p=0.001; I2=0%) and severe disease (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.14-3.43, p=0.015). However, the OR of mortality in ICI-exposed cases was similar to non-ICI exposed patients (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.60-1.34, p= 0.60; I2=49%). No statistically significant difference in mortality was observed between patients exposed to ICI and other antitumor treatments.
Conclusions: Although a higher rate of hospitalization and severe disease was observed, prior exposure to ICI did not significantly increase the rate of death in the context of COVID-19.
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Funnel plot depicting publication bias for studies evaluating mortality outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
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Posted 23 Sep, 2020
Immune checkpoint inhibitors use and effects on prognosis of COVID-19 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Posted 23 Sep, 2020
Background: The influence of prior exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection remains unknown.
Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from the inception of each database through August 8, 2020. We included studies that reported ICI use in cancer patients and their prognosis in the context of COVID-19. Raw data from the included studies were pooled to determine effect estimates. Chi-squared and I2 tests were used to calculate heterogeneity among the included studies.
Results: Eighteen studies were included for the systematic review, and 8 of those were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with prior ICI treatment exhibited a higher rate of hospitalization (OR [odds ratio] 2.6, 95% CI 1.45-4.68, p=0.001; I2=0%) and severe disease (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.14-3.43, p=0.015). However, the OR of mortality in ICI-exposed cases was similar to non-ICI exposed patients (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.60-1.34, p= 0.60; I2=49%). No statistically significant difference in mortality was observed between patients exposed to ICI and other antitumor treatments.
Conclusions: Although a higher rate of hospitalization and severe disease was observed, prior exposure to ICI did not significantly increase the rate of death in the context of COVID-19.
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