Improved survival and disease control following pembrolizumab-induced immune-related adverse events in high PD-L1 expressing non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastases

Michael Zhang, Adrian J. Rodrigues, Erqi L. Pollom, Iris C. Gibbs, Scott G. Soltys, Steven L. Hancock, Joel W. Neal, Sukhmani Kaur Padda, Kavitha J Ramchandran, Heather Wakelee, Steven D. Chang, Michael Lim, Melanie Hayden Gephart, Gordon Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become standard of care for many patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These agents often cause immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), which have been associated with increased overall survival (OS). Intracranial disease control and OS for patients experiencing IRAEs with metastatic NSCLC and brain metastases have not yet been described. Methods: We performed a single-institution, retrospective review of patients with NSCLC and existing diagnosis of brain metastasis, who underwent pembrolizumab treatment and developed any grade IRAE. The primary outcome of the study was intracranial time to treatment failure (TTF), defined from time of pembrolizumab initiation to new intracranial disease progression or death. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed. Results: A total of 63 patients with NSCLC brain metastasis were identified, and 24 developed IRAEs. Patients with any grade IRAEs had longer OS (21 vs. 10 months, p = 0.004), systemic TTF (15 vs. 4 months, p < 0.001) and intracranial TTF (14 vs. 5 months, p = 0.001), relative to patients without IRAEs. Presence of IRAEs and high PD-L1 (≥ 50%), but not absent/moderate PD-L1 (0–49%), had a positive association for OS, systemic TTF, and intracranial TTF. Following multivariable analysis, IRAE experienced on pembrolizumab was an independent predictor of OS, systemic TTF, and intracranial TTF. Conclusions: In our series of patients with NSCLC and brain metastases treated with pembrolizumab, IRAE presence was associated with a significant increase in OS, systemic TTF, and intracranial TTF. Future studies with increased cohorts will clarify how IRAEs should be interpreted among molecular subtypes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)125-134
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Neuro-Oncology
Volume152
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2021

Keywords

  • Brain metastasis
  • Immune-related adverse events
  • Immunotherapy
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Pembrolizumab
  • Progression

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