Discontinuation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor and Survival in Patients With Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Without a Driver Gene Mutation

Background/Aim: Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) might be forced to discontinue treatment for various reasons. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the impact of discontinuation of ICI treatment on patient prognosis. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective study that reviewed the medical charts of 86 patients treated with ICI monotherapy and 34 patients treated with a combination of ICI and chemotherapy during the period from February 2016 to February 2022 at our two hospitals. 'Discontinuation' was defined as a cessation of ICI treatment for more than two cycles for any reason. Results: The two most common reasons for discontinuation were immune-related adverse events and at the request of the patient. Nineteen patients who had discontinued ICI, resumed ICI or another therapy. Discontinuation of ICI treatment was a favorable factor in overall survival in 84 patients with ICI monotherapy as well as in 34 patients treated with chemotherapy combined with ICI. Conclusion: This analysis found discontinuation of ICI treatment did not adversely affect prognosis. This suggests that when treating patients with non-small-cell lung cancer with ICI, chest physicians should respond flexibly, and, with careful monitoring, consider discontinuation of ICI.