Hepatic safety of sintilimab versus pembrolizumab in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective observational cohort study - Report - MDSpire

Hepatic safety of sintilimab versus pembrolizumab in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective observational cohort study

  • By

  • Pan Ma

  • Yumeng Zhou

  • Xin Zhang

  • Quanfeng Zhao

  • Yu Peng

  • Hailong Jiang

  • Linli Xie

  • Yan Liao

  • June 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Comparative Analysis of Hepatic Safety Between Sintilimab and Pembrolizumab

Overview

This study compares the hepatic safety profiles of Sintilimab and Pembrolizumab in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like Sintilimab and Pembrolizumab have transformed the treatment of advanced NSCLC. However, hepatotoxicity remains a significant concern, as it can lead to severe complications.

Data Highlights

GroupIncidence of Hepatic AEs
Sintilimab17.1%
Pembrolizumab18.1%

Key Findings

  • No significant differences in hepatic-related adverse events between Sintilimab (17.1%) and Pembrolizumab (18.1%).
  • Similar risks of hepatotoxicity were observed in both treatment regimens based on Kaplan-Meier analysis.
  • No Grade 3 or higher hepatotoxicity events were reported in either group.
  • Propensity score matching was utilized to balance between-group differences.
  • Both agents demonstrated comparable liver function indicators (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, TBIL).

Clinical Implications

Ongoing monitoring of liver function remains essential in patients receiving these therapies.

Conclusion

Sintilimab and Pembrolizumab have comparable hepatic safety profiles in advanced NSCLC patients.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Xiong et al., The Lancet, 2025 -- Advanced PD-L1–Positive NSCLC: Ivonescimab vs Pembrolizumab
  2. The ASCO Post, 2021 -- KEYNOTE-598: No Improvement With Addition of Ipilimumab to Pembrolizumab in NSCLC
  3. ADA News, 2020 -- Study Supports Pembrolizumab Plus Axitinib in Previously Untreated Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
  4. ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2025.1 -- Therapy for Stage IV Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Without Driver Alterations
  5. New England Journal of Medicine, 2018 -- Pembrolizumab plus Chemotherapy in Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
  6. The ASCO Post — ASCO-SITC 2020: Preliminary Results Show Antitumor Activity With Pepinemab/Avelumab in Patients With Advanced NSCLC
  7. Therapy for Stage IV Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Without Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2025.1 | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  8. Pembrolizumab plus Chemotherapy in Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer | New England Journal of Medicine
  9. Efficacy and Safety of Sintilimab Plus Pemetrexed and Platinum as First-Line Treatment for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Nonsquamous NSCLC: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Study (Oncology pRogram by InnovENT anti-PD-1-11) - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Hepatic safety of sintilimab versus pembrolizumab in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective observational cohort study

  • by Pan Ma, Yumeng Zhou, Xin Zhang, Quanfeng Zhao, Yu Peng, Hailong Jiang, Linli Xie, Yan Liao

  • June 24, 2026

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