SARS-CoV-2 Infection Alters the Immune Microenvironment in Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Immunotherapy and Affects
Yanjing Peng1, Panjian Wei2, Meng Gu1
1Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted investigation into the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in lung cancer patients. Understanding this interplay is crucial for optimizing cancer immunotherapy.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on lung cancer patients, characterizing changes in peripheral immune cells and plasma cytokines (including IL-10 and IL-12p70) before, during, and after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Progression-free survival (PFS) was compared between ICI-treated patients with and without COVID-19. Cytokine dynamics were further analyzed in a non-infected cohort.
Results:
SARS-CoV-2 infection induced a prolonged systemic cytokine storm, with elevated IL-10 and IL-12p70 levels and reduced monocyte proportions lasting up to 10 weeks post-recovery. Despite this immune perturbation, COVID-19 did not impair long-term PFS; instead, a transient improvement in disease control was observed in infected patients. In non-infected patients, sustained or increased IL-10 and IL-12p70 levels during ICI therapy were associated with longer PFS (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
SARS-CoV-2 infection transiently alters the immune landscape in lung cancer patients without compromising ICI efficacy. The sustained elevation of IL-10 and IL-12p70 may contribute to short-term clinical benefits. Monitoring cytokine dynamics could serve as a prognostic tool for predicting ICI response.
Insights
COVID-19 infection in lung cancer patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy did not harm progression-free survival (PFS). Elevated IL-10 and IL-12p70 post-infection may offer transient benefits.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated research into SARS-CoV-2 infection's impact on lung cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.
- Understanding this interaction is vital for advancing cancer immunotherapy strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on immune cell profiles and cytokine levels in lung cancer patients on ICI therapy.
- To compare progression-free survival (PFS) between ICI-treated lung cancer patients with and without COVID-19.
- To explore the prognostic value of cytokine dynamics (IL-10, IL-12p70) in relation to ICI therapy response.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of lung cancer patients experiencing SARS-CoV-2 infection during ICI therapy.
- Characterization of peripheral immune cell and plasma cytokine changes (IL-10, IL-12p70) pre-, during, and post-infection.
- Comparative PFS analysis between infected and non-infected ICI-treated cohorts; cytokine analysis in non-infected patients.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection induced a prolonged cytokine storm with elevated IL-10 and IL-12p70, and reduced monocytes for up to 10 weeks.
- Despite immune alterations, COVID-19 did not negatively impact long-term PFS; a transient disease control improvement was noted in infected patients.
- In non-infected patients, sustained IL-10 and IL-12p70 levels correlated with longer PFS (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection transiently modifies the immune environment in lung cancer patients without compromising ICI efficacy.
- Sustained elevation of IL-10 and IL-12p70 may be linked to short-term clinical benefits from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Monitoring cytokine dynamics presents a potential prognostic tool for predicting responses to ICI therapy in lung cancer.
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