2024 Asia Conference on Lung Cancer (ACLC) - Poster & ePosters-EP02.25

EP02.25 - Ying Jiang

Pdf Summary

This study focuses on understanding the long-term survival predictors and surrogate endpoints in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with radiotherapy, particularly in the context of immune therapy advancements. Conducted by researchers at the Chinese National Cancer Center, the study retrospectively analyzed data from 822 patients treated between 2013 and 2022, using a mixture cure model to assess survival rates and related factors.<br /><br />The study found that approximately 27.3% of patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC achieved long-term survival following radiotherapy treatment. It identified key indicators of long-term survival, including non-squamous cell carcinoma (non-SCC) pathological type, tumor burden such as the N category and gross tumor volume, and treatment involving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The combination of radiotherapy and ICIs was highlighted as offering potential curative benefits for some patients in this category.<br /><br />The researchers proposed the 4-year progression-free survival (PFS) and 5-year overall survival (OS) as effective surrogate endpoints for measuring cure and long-term survival, showing significant correlations with cure rates when adjusted for background mortality and relative survival. These measures were supported by a high R-squared value (exceeding 0.85), demonstrating strong predictive relationships.<br /><br />In conclusion, the study suggests that radiotherapy, particularly when used with ICIs, holds promise for a cure in certain patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC. Tumor burden and the application of ICIs emerge as crucial factors for long-term survival prospects. By endorsing 4-year PFS and 5-year OS as surrogate endpoints, the study provides a framework for evaluating long-term survival and potential curative outcomes in this patient population.

Keywords

unresectable stage III NSCLC

long-term survival predictors

surrogate endpoints

radiotherapy

immune therapy

immune checkpoint inhibitors

Chinese National Cancer Center

progression-free survival

overall survival

tumor burden