KESANS : International Journal of Health and Science
Vol 5 No 10 (2026): KESANS: International Journal of Health and Science

Effectiveness of Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab as PD-1 Inhibitors in Unresectable or Metastatic Advanced Melanoma: A Systematic Review

Naomi Winny Tioline (RSUD H. Abdul Manap Kota Jambi, Indonesia)
Subagio Subagio (RSUD H. Abdul Manap Kota Jambi, Indonesia)
Wita Zahara (RSUD H. Abdul Manap Kota Jambi, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Jul 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Advanced melanoma is associated with poor prognosis because of limited effective treatment options, however, programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitors have transformed therapeutic strategies and significantly improved patient survival. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of nivolumab and pembrolizumab in patients with unresectable or metastatic advanced melanoma. Method: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online Library to identify studies published between 2020 and 2026. Clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and single-arm studies reporting overall survival, progression-free survival, or objective response rate were included. Result and Discussion: wenty studies were included. PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy significantly improved overall survival versus ipilimumab (pembrolizumab: 32.7 vs. 15.9 months; nivolumab: 36.9 vs. 19.9 months). Nivolumab plus ipilimumab achieved overall survival exceeding 70 months with objective response rates up to 58%. Nivolumab combined with relatlimab improved progression-free survival (10.2 vs. 4.6 months) compared with monotherapy. Nivolumab also remained effective in brain metastases, though some combinations increased toxicity without added benefit. Conclusion: Nivolumab and pembrolizumab provide significant clinical benefits in unresectable or metastatic advanced melanoma by improving survival and treatment response

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

kesans

Publisher

Subject

Chemistry Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Physics Public Health

Description

KESANS : International Journal of Health and Science provides a means for ongoing discussion of the relevant issues that fall within the focus and scope of the journal that can be examined empirically. This journal publishes research articles in the medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, ...