TROP-2-directed antibody-drug conjugates in advanced NSCLC: A systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy, safety, and reconstructed survival outcomes.

[INTRODUCTION] Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the majority of lung cancer cases worldwide, with most patients diagnosed at advanced stages and limited by resistance to existing therapies. TROP-2, an epithelial cell surface glycoprotein overexpressed in many NSCLCs, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This study aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of TROP-2-directed ADCs in patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC.

[METHODS] Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Clinical Trials and Cochrane Central) were searched up to November 2025 for studies reporting outcomes in advanced NSCLC patients treated with TROP-2-directed ADCs. Eligible studies included adult populations with advanced NSCLC that were treated with datopotamab deruxtecan, sacituzumab govitecan, or sacituzumab tirumotecan, and reported efficacy or safety outcomes. Pseudo-individual patient-level data for survival analyses were reconstructed from published Kaplan-Meier curves. Pooled effect sizes were estimated using random-effects meta-analytic models.

[RESULTS] Seven studies encompassing 1365 patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC were included. The pooled median overall survival (OS) was 16.38 months (95 % CI: 11.17-22.96), and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.08 months (95 % CI: 4.93-8.55). The objective response rate (ORR) across studies was 29 % (95 % CI: 19 %-39 %), with a disease control rate (DCR) of 79 % (95 % CI: 74 %-84 %). Subgroup analysis revealed patients with EGFR-mutated tumors had a significantly higher likelihood of response (risk ratio 1.70, 95 % CI: 1.11-2.61). Safety analysis showed treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in 98 % (95 % CI: 94 %-100 %), grade ≥ 3 TEAEs in 52 % (95 % CI: 38 %-67 %), and interstitial lung disease (ILD) in 9 % (95 % CI: 3 %-16 %).

[CONCLUSION] TROP-2-directed ADCs demonstrate meaningful efficacy in previously treated advanced NSCLC, especially among EGFR-mutant and non-squamous histology patients, with survival and response outcomes superior to traditional chemotherapy. However, high rates of adverse events, particularly ILD, necessitate close monitoring. Further randomized and biomarker-driven studies are warranted to refine patient selection and optimize the therapeutic potential of these agents.