Body composition and inflammation impact in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated by first-line immunotherapy

Background: Immunotherapy changed the landscape of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Efforts were made to implement its action. This study aims to describe body composition, nutritional and inflammatory status in NSCLC patients treated by first-line immunotherapy, their correlation, variation and impact. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 44 consecutive patients who received pembrolizumab treatment. Results: During the therapy, inflammation and visceral fat increased, whereas muscle and subcutaneous fat decreased. Parameters related to inflammation had an interesting prognostic impact. High numbers of white blood cells remained significantly correlated with a high risk of death in multivariate model. Conclusion: For the best treatment choice, a combination of clinical and biological factors will be most likely be necessary. Prospective and larger studies with a multidimensional approach are needed.