Incidence of Infections and Predictors of Mortality during Checkpoint Inhibitors Immunotherapy in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, significantly increasing overall survival of patients. However, the incidence of concurrent infections and their management is still debated. Methods From August 2015 to October 2019, all consecutive patients with NSCLC who received Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab as first- or second-line therapy have been retrospectively evaluated. At the time of analysis all patients were dead. Clinical characteristics of patients, type of infections and predictors of mortality were analyzed. Results A total of 118 patients, 74 in the Nivolumab group and 44 in the Pembrolizumab group, were identified. At least one infection was recorded in 22% of the Nivolumab-group vs 27% of the Pembrolizumab-group (p=.178). In both groups, the main infection was a pneumonia, followed by skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections and gastroenteritis. Crude mortality for first infection was 10.7%, followed by 25% and 40% for second and third recurrence, respectively (p for trend=.146). No opportunistic infections were recorded. Notably, by Cox-regression model, the independent predictor of mortality was a higher Eastern-Cooperative-Oncology-Group (ECOG) performance status at baseline (p<.001), while the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of concurrent infections was associated with a reduced probability of mortality (aHR= 0.50; 95%CI=0.30 – 0.83, p<.001). Conclusions In patients with NSCLC treated with ICIs, multidisciplinary management of concurrent infections may reduce the risk of mortality. Further studies to investigate risk factors for infections, as well as appropriate management strategies and preventive measures in this setting are warranted.