BACKGROUND: This study systematically reviews the efficacy and safety of the single or combined use of programmed factor 1 (PD-1)/programmed factor 1 ligand (PD-L1) inhibitors for treating metastatic or advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Relevant articles were collected for meta-analysis through searches on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials, as well as for relevant randomized controlled experiments. RESULTS: Based on eleven studies, the effectiveness of the experimental group was found to be significantly better than the control in terms of overall survival (OS) [R=0.74, 95%CI: 0.69~0.80, CONCLUSION: A good efficacy was found in treating metastatic or advanced RCC using PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors alone or in combination, which significantly improved and enhanced OS, PFS, ORR, CR, PR, and DCR in patients with RCC. The incidence of adverse reactions in patients was not increased, and adverse reactions were controllable. These findings indicate that the single or combined use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors shows good efficacy and safety in the treatment of metastatic or advanced RCC.