A new analysis of multiple studies shows that adding immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to standard chemotherapy can improve survival for people with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). This type of lung cancer is aggressive and often diagnosed at a late stage, so better treatment options are urgently needed.
The analysis combined results from several clinical trials. It found that patients who received ICIs along with chemotherapy had a 19% lower risk of death and a 22% lower risk of their cancer progressing compared to those who received chemotherapy alone. The benefit was seen in first-line treatment, meaning when the drugs were given as the initial therapy.
However, the treatment was not without risks. Patients taking ICIs had a higher chance of developing severe diarrhea (grade 3 or higher). The safety profile was otherwise considered acceptable for first-line use. Importantly, the analysis suggests that ICIs should not be used alone in second-line treatment, as they did not show benefit and may even be harmful.
While these results are promising, the analysis notes that more research is needed to identify which patients are most likely to benefit long-term. For now, the findings support using ICIs with chemotherapy as a first-line option for ES-SCLC, but patients should discuss potential side effects with their doctor.