The Symptoms and Influencing Factors among Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Objective: To investigate the symptoms of lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and analyze the influencing factors, providing a reference for symptom management. Methods: A survey was conducted on 191 lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors using a questionnaire based on the Chinese version of the “Treatment-Related Symptoms Checklist,” the Chinese version of the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, the Chinese Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale. Results: The total symptom score for lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors was (24.35 ± 10.32). For patients receiving combination therapies, the symptom score was (26.01 ± 9.93), while those receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy had a score of (16.09 ± 8.15). Multiple linear regression results showed that body mass index, current treatment method, depression, and the “acceptance-resignation” coping style were major factors affecting symptoms in these patients. Conclusion: Patients with lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors have a significant symptom burden. Those with a body mass index of 17.4 - 18.5 kg/m2, receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy, or combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy, with high depression scores and adopting an acceptance-resignationing coping style, experience more severe overall symptoms.