Risk of toxicity with immunotherapy–tyrosine kinase inhibitors for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Aim: Few data are available regarding the safety profile of immunotherapy–tyrosine kinase inhibitor (IO-TKI) combinations in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The authors investigated all-grade and grade 3–4 (G3–4) adverse events in trials comparing IO-TKI combinations with sunitinib monotherapy. Methods: The relative risks of several all-grade and G3–4 adverse events were analyzed. Results: Relative risks were similar between patients receiving IO-TKI combinations versus sunitinib monotherapy. However, the use of IO-TKI combinations was associated with a higher risk of all-grade and G3–4 diarrhea, all-grade hypothyroidism, G3–4 decreased appetite, all-grade and G3–4 aspartate transaminase increase and all-grade and G3–4 alanine transaminase increase. Conclusion: The results of the authors' meta-analysis suggest that risks of treatment-related adverse events should be carefully considered when choosing IO-TKI combinations in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients.