Risk stratification model based on estimated dose of radiation to immune cells and radiotherapy-related nadir lymphocyte count for predicting the efficacy of consolidation immunotherapy in stage III non-small cell lung cancer - Report - MDSpire

Risk stratification model based on estimated dose of radiation to immune cells and radiotherapy-related nadir lymphocyte count for predicting the efficacy of consolidation immunotherapy in stage III non-small cell lung cancer

  • By

  • Wenlu Chen

  • Yu Liang

  • Qing Hou

  • Xin Cao

  • Anqi Zhao

  • Baixue Wu

  • Yuying Zhou

  • Wenbo Zhang

  • Meng Zhao

  • Ningning Yao

  • Feng Li

  • Jianchun Duan

  • Shuangping Zhang

  • Ning Li

  • Jianzhong Cao

  • July 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Prognostic Model for Immunotherapy Outcomes in NSCLC

Overview

This study evaluates the prognostic value of estimated radiation dose to immune cells (EDRIC) and nadir lymphocyte count (RT-NLC) in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Background

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with a significant proportion of cases diagnosed at an advanced stage. For unresectable stage III NSCLC, definitive chemoradiotherapy has been the standard treatment, yet survival rates remain low. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have shown promise, but understanding the impact of radiotherapy on immune function is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Data Highlights

ParameterMedian ValueP-Value
Overall Survival (OS)49.7 vs. 38.1 months0.015
Progression-Free Survival (PFS)29.7 vs. 17.3 months0.006
Locoregional Relapse-Free Survival (LRFS)32.4 vs. 19.8 months0.004
Distant Metastasis-Free Survival (DMFS)44.8 vs. 24.0 months0.001

Key Findings

  • EDRIC inversely correlated with RT-NLC (r = –0.38, P < 0.001).
  • Lower EDRIC was associated with significantly improved median OS (49.7 vs. 38.1 months, P = 0.015).
  • High RT-NLC group showed prolonged median DMFS (44.8 vs. 26.8 months, P = 0.012).
  • High-risk patients (EDRIC ≥ 6.75 Gy and RT-NLC < 0.54×10^9/L) had inferior survival but benefited from consolidation immunotherapy.
  • Low EDRIC independently predicted improved OS (HR = 0.51) and PFS (HR = 0.56).

Clinical Implications

The integration of EDRIC and RT-NLC as prognostic biomarkers can aid in identifying high-risk patients.

Conclusion

EDRIC and RT-NLC are valuable prognostic indicators in unresectable stage III NSCLC.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- An LDH-based prognostic model for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer patients treated with chemo-immunotherapy and consolidative thoracic radiotherapy
  2. asco ai in oncology, 2026 -- Improved Immunotherapy Response Prediction in NSCLC With Deep-Learning Radiomic Biomarker
  3. asco ai in oncology, 2026 -- Interpretable AI for Stratifying Risk for Immunoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
  4. Durvalumab after Chemoradiotherapy in Stage III Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer | New England Journal of Medicine
  5. Assessment of the Effective Dose to Immune Cells as an Independent Predictor of Durvalumab Response in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After Chemoradiotherapy: A Multicenter Study - ScienceDirect
  6. asco ai in oncology — Improved Immunotherapy Response Prediction in NSCLC With Deep-Learning Radiomic Biomarker
  7. European Radiology — Creation and assessment of a radiomics nomogram utilizing [18F]FDG PET/CT to forecast prognostic risks in patients with pretreatment diffuse large B cell lymphoma
  8. Durvalumab after Chemoradiotherapy in Stage III Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer | New England Journal of Medicine
  9. Assessment of the Effective Dose to Immune Cells as an Independent Predictor of Durvalumab Response in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After Chemoradiotherapy: A Multicenter Study - ScienceDirect

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