LIPI score predicts survival in NSCLC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor plus chemo

Use of the lung immune prognostic index (LIPI) score can help predict the efficacy of combination therapy of programmed cell death (PD)-1/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade and chemotherapy (CT) in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), suggests a study.

A total of 301 advanced NSCLC patients with PD-L1 expression ≥1 percent were assigned to good LIPI group (n=113), intermediate LIPI group (n=101), and poor LIPI group (n=87) based on LIPI scoring system. They were then treated with CT plus PD/PD-L1 inhibitor.

The researchers analysed the differences in clinical parameters between subgroups of NSCLC patients using χ² test, 1-way analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis H test. They followed up patients until 30 June 2022 and recorded the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Finally, Cox regression model was used to examine the independent associations of LIPI score with PFS and OS.

Significant differences were noted in clinical stage and lymphocyte among the three subgroups of NSCLC patients. Patients with a good LIPI score had better outcomes with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combined with CT, as shown by their higher ORR and DCR.

Additionally, LIPI score showed an independent association with PFS and OS in patients with advanced NSCLC. Specifically, patients with a good LIPI score achieved longer PFS and OS.

“NSCLC is a devastating but universal class of lung carcinoma with an unfavourable prognosis,” the researchers said.