Incidence and risk factors of immune-related adverse events induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors among older NSCLC patients

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may improve oncological outcomes among patients with cancer, but also are associated with increased risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). A cohort study using 1999-2019 SEER-Medicare data investigated incidence and risk factors of irAEs among older adults (65 years and older) receiving nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or atezolizumab for NSCLC. After initiation of ICI, 46.8% of the patients developed irAEs. Pneumonitis (16.5%), hypothyroidism (10.5%), arrhytmia (11.2%), and acute kidney injury (5.8%) were the most common irAEs. The median time to onset of first irAE was 82 days (IQR 29-182). The figure shows risk factors for developing irAEs. The authors conclude that a significant proportion of older NSCLC patients develop irAEs after receiving ICI treatment.