AUTHOR=Liao Guixiang , Zhao Zhihong , Qian Yuting , Ling Xiean , Chen Shanyi , Li Xianming , Kong Feng-Ming (Spring) 

TITLE=Prognostic Role of Soluble Programmed Death Ligand 1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2021.774131

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2021.774131

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=Objective: The objective of this study was to explore whether soluble programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) is a potential prognostic biomarker in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was carried out to identify studies assessing the prognostic role of sPD-L1 in NSCLC by July 1, 2021. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied for data analysis. 
Results: Eight studies involving 710 patients with NSCLC were included in the analysis. Combined data analysis revealed that high levels of sPD-L1 were correlated with poorer overall survival (HR=2.34; 95% CI=1.82–3.00; P<0.001) and progression-free survival (HR=2.35; 95% CI=1.62–3.40, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that high levels of sPD-L1 were correlated with a poor overall survival in patients treated with immunotherapy (HR=2.40; 95% CI =1.79–3.22; P<0.001).
Conclusion: Published data suggests that sPD-L1 should be further investigated as a potential prognostic factor. Prospective studies with well-designed standard assessment methods should be conducted to validate the prognostic role of sPD-L1 in NSCLC.