Atezolizumab and pembrolizumab in triple-negative breast cancer: a meta-analysis.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARYImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, have received approval for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) expressing PD-L1. Thus far, it has only been approved for patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC. With the IMpassion 130 and KEYNOTE-355 trials introducing the immunotherapy era for TNBC, ongoing trials have started exploring the outcomes of the ICIs in early-stage TNBC in combination. Recently, the ICIs have demonstrated positive efficacy outcomes in neoadjuvant settings. Both the ICIs have shown a safe profile in terms of adverse events. The recent advances made by clinical trials indicate promising results for early-stage and advanced/metastatic TNBC. However, there is a need to harmonize and explore biomarkers and endpoints in the ongoing clinical trials to enhance patient treatment protocols. As TNBC is an aggressive subtype, exploring beyond the PD-L1 positive subgroup is necessary to expand the target population receiving ICIs for TNBC.