PD‐1 inhibitors for non‐small cell lung cancer patients with special issues: Real‐world evidence

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have provided new therapeutic options for non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients. However, due to concerning increases in immune-related adverse events, clinical trials usually exclude patients with special issues such as viral hepatitis, tuberculosis (Tbc), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and autoimmune disease. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of NSCLC patients who received ICIs, and analyzed the clinical outcomes of patients with special issues. RESULTS: Between January 2015 and October 2018, 237 patients received ICIs. Of these patients, 26% (61/237) had special issues: 32 had hepatitis B viral (HBV) infections, 20 Tbc, six ILD, one HIV infection, one Behçet's disease and a past HBV infection, and one rheumatoid arthritis. The incidence of hepatitis tended to be higher in patients with HBV infections than in those without (18.8% vs 8.91%, P = .082). Severe hepatitis (grade 3 or higher) was more common in HBV-infected patients (12.5% vs 1.9%, P = .0021), but the AEs were well-managed. During ICI treatment, three of the 20 patients with a history of pulmonary Tbc developed active pulmonary Tbc, considered reactivations. No aggravation of ILD was noted. One RA patient experienced a disease flare and was treated with a low-dose steroid. There was no significant difference in the overall response rate or progression-free survival between patients with and without special issues. CONCLUSION: Given the relatively low incidence of immune-related AEs and the comparability of clinical outcomes, ICIs can be treatment option of NSCLC patients with special issues.