Use of nivolumab in elderly patients with advanced squamous non-small-cell lung cancer: results from the Italian cohort of an expanded access programme

Abstract Aim This analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, in elderly patients with stage IIIB or IV squamous non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) enrolled in the expanded access programme (EAP) in Italy. Methods Nivolumab was available on physician request. Safety data included adverse events (AEs). Efficacy data included investigator-assessed tumour response, progression date and survival information. Results were analysed for patients aged Results A total of 371 patients with squamous NSCLC were enrolled at 96 centres between April 2015 and September 2015; 34% (n = 126), 47% (n = 175) and 19% (n = 70) were aged Conclusions These EAP results suggest that elderly patients with advanced squamous NSCLC benefit from nivolumab, with tolerability similar to that in the overall population.