Association between baseline absolute neutrophil count (ANC), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and response to nivolumab (Nivo) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A preliminary analysis.

Abstract

e14617 Background: Nivo is a novel therapeutic option in 2nd line NSCLC. However, predictive biomarkers are lacking. The presence of systemic inflammation correlated with poor outcome in many cancer types, including NSCLC. We aimed to evaluate whether there is a correlation between some indicators of inflammation and response in patients (pts) treated with Nivo or Docetaxel (D). Methods: 23 consecutive pts with NSCLC receiving Nivo were analyzed. Baseline white cell count (WBC) and ANC were collected and correlated with tumor response. 27 NSCLC pts treated with D were used as controls. An ANC ≥ 7500 cell/µl was defined neutrophilia. dNLR was calculated as: ANC/(WBC-ANC). Platelet count (PLT) ≥ 450 × 103/μL was defined as thrombocytosis. PLR ratio was defined as PLT/lymphocyte count. dNLR ≥3 and PLR ≥160 were defined high. Results: Baseline characteristics: median age 66 years (range 45-82); sex M 74%; histology squamous 42%, adenocarcinoma 48%, and 10% mixed histology/NOS. Smoking status: 90% smokers/former smokers. Among non-squamous pts, 13,7% were EGFR mutated and 10,3% were KRAS-mutated, with an equal distribution in both treatment groups. Lines of therapies: range 2-8 in Nivo group and 2-3 in D group. Overall response rate (ORR): 13.6% with Nivo vs. 7.7% with D; 9% of pts with Nivo experienced unconventional responses. Baseline neutrophilia (17.4% with Nivo and 27% with D) and thrombocytosis (4.3% and 3.8%, respectively) were not associated with response (ORR 0%). High dNLR (13% and 38% with Nivo and D) correlated with no response (0% ORR), whereas high PLR correlated with no responses to D and reduced ORR to Nivo (10%). Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study suggest that baseline neutrophilia, thrombocytosis and high dNLR are associated with no response to both D and Nivo, whereas high PLR is associated with no response to D and reduced activity with Nivo. Given their relative easy estimation, baseline evaluation of these indicators of inflammation should be included before 2nd line therapy start, especially for highly expensive treatments, such as immunotherapy.