Effect of physical characteristics on patient response to nivolumab in non-small-cell lung cancer

Abstract

Background: We previously reported that patients with a poor performance status (PS) might be more refractory to nivolumab in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As nivolumab enhances the patient’s immunoreactivity against tumor cells, the patient’s physical characteristics might affect response to nivolumab. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical characteristics and nivolumab response in patients with NSCLC. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the physical characteristics, disease data, and treatment course in patients with NSCLC who were administered nivolumab at the National Hospital Organization, Kyoto Medical Center, between December 2015 and November 2016. Results: Eighty-four patients with NSCLC who were administered nivolumab were reviewed. Forty-two (50%) patients achieved disease control as evaluated by RECIST version 1.1. Patients with a poor PS (ECOG-PS ≥2) (p Conclusion: Our study indicates that poor PS and presence of metastasis in ≥2 organs might be inversely associated with nivolumab response in patients with NSCLC.