Better Muscle Mass Linked to Improved Immunotherapy Response

Researchers at Osaka University in Japan have identified a key component of physical health associated with response to immunotherapy drugs. Among people with non-small cell lung cancer, higher levels of muscle mass predicted a better response to PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapy. Sarcopenia — the term used to describe low muscle mass levels — appears to reduce the benefits a person receives from immunotherapy cancer treatment. “Sarcopenia at baseline is a significant predictor of worse outcome in patients with advanced NSCLC [non-small cell lung cancer] receiving PD-1 blockade,” the study investigators wrote. The results, published February 21 in Nature Scientific Reports, highlight the importance of good baseline strength and physical function for mesothelioma patients considering immunotherapy treatments. Immunotherapy is not a standard mesothelioma treatment option. However, there are more than a dozen clinical trials currently investigating PD-1 inhibitor therapy for the asbestos-related cancer. “Screening for sarcopenia may help identify patients more likely to achieve a long-term response in routine clinical practice,” the authors wrote. Strong Body, Stronger Immunotherapy Response Rate Researchers collected information on 42 men and women with non-small cell lung cancer seen at their facility between January 2016 and September 2018. The patients were treated with Opdivo (nivolumab) or Keytruda (pembrolizumab). CT scans available in the medical records allowed ...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: news