Authors’ Response

Abstract

We appreciate the interest by Dr. Mormile in our case series of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with advanced NSCLC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The known benefits of the programmed cell death 1 inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab that are seen in non–HIV-positive cases extended to HIV-positive cases.1Ostios-Garcia L. Faig J. Leonardi G.C. et al.Safety and efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors among HIV-positive patients with non-small cell lung cancer.J Thorac Oncol. 2018; 13: 1037-1042Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (70) Google Scholar It is unclear whether programmed cell death 1 inhibitors have any specific beneficial clinical effect in HIV-positive cases with NSCLC that exceeds the effect known from these approved antibodies in immune system–competent individuals. We wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Mormile that further investigations are needed to elucidate the interplay between cancer immunotherapies and the pathophysiology of HIV infection. In addition, we reiterate the need to include HIV-positive patients in the clinical development of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in HIV-Positive Patients With NSCLC: Is it Time for Outlining a Protocol?Journal of Thoracic OncologyVol. 13Issue 11PreviewIn a recent publication, Ostios-Garcia et al.1 focused on the safety and efficacy of programmed death receptor-1( PD-1) inhibitors among HIV-positive patients with advanced NSCLC. They described seven patients suffering from metastatic NSCLC and HIV infection who had undergone treatment with the PD-1 inhibitors nivolumab or pembrolizumab.1 They conclude that nivolumab and pembrolizumab can be safe and effective among patients with HIV.1 However, they suggest that larger studies will be needed to verify the overall safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors among cancer patients with HIV. Full-Text PDF Open Archive