First-Line Immunotherapy with Check-Point Inhibitors: Prospective Assessment of Cognitive Function

SIMPLE SUMMARY: About 40% of people diagnosed with cancer are eligible for treatment with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Little research has been conducted to understand whether CPIs affect cognitive function. Most research that has been conducted included patients who received both CPIs and chemotherapy. This pilot study was conducted with patients receiving CPIs as their first line of cancer treatment. This study’s purpose was to show the feasibility of recruiting, retaining, and assessing older adult patients with cancer starting first line CPI treatment and provide early evidence of the impact of CPI on cognitive function. ABSTRACT: Approximately 40% of patients with cancer are eligible for check-point inhibitor (CPI) therapy. Little research has examined the potential cognitive impact of CPIs. First-line CPI therapy offers a unique research opportunity without chemotherapy-related confounders. The purpose of this prospective, observational pilot was to (1) demonstrate the feasibility of prospective recruitment, retention, and neurocognitive assessment for older adults receiving first-line CPI(s) and (2) provide preliminary evidence of changes in cognitive function associated with CPI(s). Patients receiving first-line CPI(s) (CPI Group) were assessed at baseline (n = 20) and 6 months (n = 13) for self-report of cognitive function and neurocognitive test performance. Results were compared to age-matched controls without cognitive impairment assessed annually by the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). Plasma biomarkers were measured at baseline and 6 months for the CPI Group. Estimated differences for CPI Group scores prior to initiating CPIs (baseline) trended to lower performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind (MOCA-Blind) test compared to the ADRC controls (p = 0.066). Controlling for age, the CPI Group’s 6-months MOCA-Blind performance was lower than the ADRC control group’s 12-months performance (p = 0.011). No significant differences in biomarkers were detected between baseline and 6 months, although significant correlations were noted for biomarker change and cognitive performance at 6 months. IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-2, FGF2, and VEGF were inversely associated with Craft Story Recall performance (p < 0.05), e.g., higher levels correlated with poorer memory performance. Higher IGF-1 and VEGF correlated with better letter-number sequencing and digit-span backwards performance, respectively. Unexpected inverse correlation was noted between IL-1α and Oral Trail-Making Test B completion time. CPI(s) may have a negative impact on some neurocognitive domains and warrant further investigation. A multi-site study design may be crucial to fully powering prospective investigation of the cognitive impact of CPIs. Establishment of a multi-site observational registry from collaborating cancer centers and ADRCs is recommended.