Use of nivolumab in elderly patients with advanced squamous non-small-cell lung cancer: results from the Italian cohort of an expanded access programme

Eur J Cancer. 2018 Sep:100:126-134. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2018.05.015. Epub 2018 Jul 13.

Abstract

Aim: This analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, in elderly patients with stage IIIB or IV squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) enrolled in the expanded access programme (EAP) in Italy.

Methods: Nivolumab was available on physician request. Safety data included adverse events (AEs). Efficacy data included investigator-assessed tumour response, progression date and survival information. Results were analysed for patients aged <65, 65-<75 and ≥75 years and for the overall population.

Results: A total of 371 patients with squamous NSCLC were enrolled at 96 centres between April 2015 and September 2015; 34% (n = 126), 47% (n = 175) and 19% (n = 70) were aged <65, 65-<75 and ≥75 years, respectively. Efficacy was similar among patients aged <65, 65-<75 and ≥75 years and the overall population (objective response rates: 18%, 18%, 19% and 18%, respectively; disease control rates: 49%, 47%, 43% and 47%, respectively). Median overall survival was reduced in patients aged ≥75 years (5.8 months) versus patients aged <65; years (8.6 months), patients aged 65-<75 years (8.0 months) and the overall population (7.9 months). The incidence of grade 3-4 treatment-related AEs was low in patients aged 65, 65-<75 and ≥75 years and the overall population (3%, 9%, 3%, 6%, respectively). Discontinuation rates due to treatment-related AEs were low irrespective of age (4-5%).

Conclusions: These EAP results suggest that elderly patients with advanced squamous NSCLC benefit from nivolumab, with tolerability similar to that in the overall population.

Keywords: Aged; Immunotherapy; Italy; Non–small-cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Compassionate Use Trials
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nivolumab / adverse effects
  • Nivolumab / therapeutic use*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Nivolumab