Prognostic factors in patients with bone metastasis of lung cancer after immune checkpoint inhibitors: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Accurate data on the prognosis of bone metastases are necessary for appropriate treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in the treatment of gene mutation-negative non-small cell lung cancer (GMN-NSCLC).

AIM

To investigate the prognostic factors in patients with bone metastases from GMN-NSCLC following ICI use.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 45 patients with GMN-NSCLC who were treated for bone metastases from 2017 to 2022 and received chemotherapy after diagnosis. Using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models, we evaluated the association between overall survival (OS) and clinical parameters, including serum biochemical concentrations and blood cell count.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 1 and the use of ICIs and bone-modifying agents after bone metastasis diagnosis were significantly associated with a favorable OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that ICI use after bone metastasis diagnosis was significantly associated with a favorable OS.

CONCLUSION

ICI use after bone metastasis diagnosis may be a favorable prognostic factor in patients with bone metastases of GMN-NSCLC. Consideration of ICI treatment for bone metastasis and GMN-NSCLC is warranted to establish a more accurate predictive nomogram for patients with bone metastasis.