Open AccessImmune checkpoint inhibitors use and effects on prognosis of COVID-19 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Author(s) -
Wenwei Qian,
Ying Ye,
Lugen Zuo,
Ting Song,
Qing Xu,
Yinghong Wang,
Jun Qian,
Yun Tian
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
immunotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.127
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1750-7448
pISSN - 1750-743X
DOI - 10.2217/imt-2021-0007
Subject(s) - medicine , meta analysis , odds ratio , covid-19 , disease , mortality rate , cancer , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Aim: We aimed to quantify the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on the prognosis of COVID-19. Materials & methods: A meta-analysis was conducted and the hospitalization, severe disease and mortality rates were assessed. Thirteen studies comprising of 4614 cancer patients with COVID-19 were included. Results: When compared with cancer patients without prior ICI exposure, patients with prior ICI treatment exhibited a higher rate of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% CI 1.19-3.38, p = 0.01). However, the OR of severe disease and mortality in ICI exposed cases was similar to non-ICI exposed patients (OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.69-3.51, p = 0.29; OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.85-1.48, p = 0.42, respectively). Conclusion: It is uncertain whether prior exposure to ICIs increases the risk of severe disease and death, however the observed OR suggest a higher rate of hospitalization.