Browsing by Author "Nikolić, Nikola (58541091700)"

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like atezolizumab have improved outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, especially in the second-line setting after progression on platinum-based chemotherapy. However, access to ICIs remains limited in many developing nations. This study evaluated the efficacy of atezolizumab as a second-line versus later-line treatment for advanced NSCLC patients in Serbia. Methods: This retrospective study involved 147 advanced NSCLC patients treated with atezolizumab following progression on prior platinum-based chemotherapy at two academic centers in Serbia. Data on demographics and clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics were collected. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression identified outcome predictors. Results: The median PFS was 7.13 months, and median OS was 38.6 months. The overall response rate (ORR) was 15%, with a disease control rate (DCR) of 57.9%. No significant PFS differences were observed between patients treated with atezolizumab in the second line versus later lines. Patients with good performance status (ECOG 0–1) had significantly better PFS compared to those with poorer status (12.03 vs. 1.63 months, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Atezolizumab is effective in both second-line and later-line settings for advanced NSCLC, particularly in patients with good performance status. This highlights the importance of patient selection based on performance status, as well as the need for wider access to ICIs in resource-limited regions. © 2024 by the authors.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like atezolizumab have improved outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, especially in the second-line setting after progression on platinum-based chemotherapy. However, access to ICIs remains limited in many developing nations. This study evaluated the efficacy of atezolizumab as a second-line versus later-line treatment for advanced NSCLC patients in Serbia. Methods: This retrospective study involved 147 advanced NSCLC patients treated with atezolizumab following progression on prior platinum-based chemotherapy at two academic centers in Serbia. Data on demographics and clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics were collected. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression identified outcome predictors. Results: The median PFS was 7.13 months, and median OS was 38.6 months. The overall response rate (ORR) was 15%, with a disease control rate (DCR) of 57.9%. No significant PFS differences were observed between patients treated with atezolizumab in the second line versus later lines. Patients with good performance status (ECOG 0–1) had significantly better PFS compared to those with poorer status (12.03 vs. 1.63 months, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Atezolizumab is effective in both second-line and later-line settings for advanced NSCLC, particularly in patients with good performance status. This highlights the importance of patient selection based on performance status, as well as the need for wider access to ICIs in resource-limited regions. © 2024 by the authors.

Introduction Surgery of the primary tumor following extended course of chemoimmunotherapy has only recently been recognized as a feasible and safe option for selected groups of patients with initially unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. Case outline Here we report a case of a 49-year-old female patient, who never smoked, that was diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Lesions were evident in both lungs and the brain. She underwent stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases and combination therapy of chemotherapy, atezolizumab and bevacizumab. Response to therapy was both remarkable and durable. Ten cycles into treatment, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed no metastatic lesions. Positron emission tomography / computed tomography revealed a single lesion in the right upper lobe 22 × 23 mm in diameter. The patient underwent a right upper lobectomy. Pathohistological evaluation of the specimen revealed complete pathologic response. The patient recovered from surgery and continued chemoimmunotherapy. Four months post-surgery she is disease free and of excellent performance status. Conclusion Primary tumor surgery following extensive chemoimmunotherapy regiment is feasible and could be considered as a treatment option. Further research is warranted to define a patient population that stands to benefit the most from this modality. © 2024, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.