BackgroundSintilimab and Pembrolizumab are widely used in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet direct comparisons of their safety profiles, particularly hepatotoxicity, are lacking. Given the differences in binding affinities and the complexity of patients in real-world settings, this study aims to provide a head-to-head comparison of their hepatic safety to guide clinical decision-making.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational cohort study to evaluate potential differences in liver function damage between Sintilimab and Pembrolizumab, administered as monotherapy or combination with chemotherapy, in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Patients treated with Sintilimab or Pembrolizumab at Southwest Hospital were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed using height and treatment regimen as covariates to balance between-group differences.
Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess differences in hepatotoxicity. Benjamini-Hochberg correction was applied for multiple comparisons across liver function indicators.ResultsA total of 222 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with Sintilimab or Pembrolizumab were included.
The combination chemotherapy regimens did not differ significantly between the two groups.
Frontiers in Immunology published a clinical update in Infectious Disease on 24 Jun 2026.
The item focuses on Hepatic safety of sintilimab versus pembrolizumab in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective observational cohort study.
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