BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI)-based therapy has revolutionized non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, yet reliable biomarkers for monitoring immune response in real time remain elusive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T cells and NK cells were detected prior to therapy, at day 21 post therapy by flow cytometry. We also dynamically assessed alterations in the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-2R, IL-6 and IL-8, establishing the clinical utility in predicting ICI-based therapy outcomes. RESULTS: The study found that different therapies induced distinct patterns of immune remodeling. ICI-based therapy significantly increased IFN-γ secretion by CD4 + and CD8 + T cells (both P < 0.05) and decreased sIL-2R levels (P < 0.01). Radiotherapy activated T cell function but caused marked lymphocytopenia (P < 0.001). Chemotherapy did not produce significant immune fluctuations. Multivariate analysis confirmed that high IFN-γ + CD4 + T cell levels (HR = 0.19, P = 0.014) and high sIL-2R levels (HR = 29.03, P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS). The nomogram integrating these indicators demonstrated excellent predictive performance (C-index = 0.867). CONCLUSION: T cells and sIL-2R served as an effective tool for stratifying and prognosticating NSCLC patients.
Wang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.