Serum levels of VCAM‐1 are associated with survival in patients treated with nivolumab for NSCLC

BACKGROUND: High circulating levels of cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been supposed to act as a negative prognostic factor. Here, we explored the predictive role of pre‐treatment levels of CAMs in previously treated patients receiving nivolumab for NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy one patients with advanced NSCLC, treated with nivolumab at the dose of 3 mg/kg every 14 days, were enrolled. Maximum follow‐up time was 3 years. Serum levels of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and Intracellular Adhesion Molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) were measured at baseline and before each nivolumab administration. Endpoints of the study were a composite outcome of survival ≥2 years or absence of disease progression at the end of the follow‐up, and the overall survival. RESULTS: Composite outcome and overall survival were positively associated with VCAM‐1 baseline levels and with the reduction of VCAM‐1 during the treatment. After adjustment for potential confounders, the change in VCAM‐1 serum levels during the treatment was an independent predictor of overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: High baseline serum levels of VCAM‐1 are associated with a longer survival in patients treated with nivolumab as second line treatment for NSCLC. Surviving patients experience also a significant reduction in CAMs expression during the treatment. Hence, CAMs might be promising prognostic factors in patients with NSCLC underoing immunotherapy.