Targeting PD-1/PD-L1 in biliary tract cancer: role and available data

Abstract

There is a critical need for novel therapies to treat patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). This systematic review summarizes the evidence-based knowledge for the potential role of PD-1 and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of patients with early-stage and advanced BTC. An Embase database search was conducted, identifying 15 eligible phase II/III clinical trials for review. Results from recent phase III trials show a statistically significant overall survival (OS) benefit from the addition of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors to chemotherapy in the first-line management of advanced BTC. Future research should concentrate on the discovery of biomarkers to identify patients who would benefit most from these therapies.