The impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the risk of immune-related pneumonitis in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer mortality, poses significant treatment challenges. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized therapy, but it is associated with immune-related pneumonitis (IRP). This study systematically reviews and analyzes the impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on the risk of IRP in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.

METHODS

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines and using the PICO framework, a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed studies involving lung cancer patients treated with ICIs, comparing those with and without COPD. The primary outcome was the incidence and risk of IRP. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale evaluated study quality. The effect size was calculated using random or fixed-effects models based on the observed heterogeneity. We assessed the heterogeneity between studies and conducted a sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The search identified 1026 articles, with six meeting the criteria for inclusion. Studies varied in design and geography, predominantly retrospective cohort studies. Patients with COPD had an increased risk of IRP (OR = 1.54, 95% CI [1.24, 1.92, P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis based on radiation therapy exposure (< 40% and ≥ 40%) also indicated a heightened IRP risk in COPD patients. Sensitivity analysis affirmed the robustness of the results, and publication bias was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancer patients with COPD undergoing immunotherapy have a significantly increased risk of developing IRP. This highlights the necessity for vigilant monitoring and individualized treatment strategies to improve the safety and effectiveness of immunotherapy in this group.