Clinical Report: Steroids Found to Limit Effectiveness of Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Treatment

Overview

A study by Keck Medicine of USC reveals that corticosteroids may hinder the effectiveness of immunotherapy in lung cancer patients. Patients receiving high doses of steroids prior to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy experienced faster tumor growth and reduced survival rates compared to those not on steroids.

Background

Expand on the types of corticosteroids and their indications in lung cancer treatment.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

• High-dose corticosteroids (30-100 mg prednisone daily) were linked to worse progression-free and overall survival in NSCLC patients receiving immunotherapy.
• Patients on steroids prior to immunotherapy had faster tumor growth compared to those not on steroids.
• No significant survival differences were observed between medium-dose corticosteroids (7.5-30 mg) and no steroid use.
• Patients who had been off steroids for at least one month prior to starting immunotherapy showed better outcomes.
• Smoking status was a significant factor, with non-smokers having better survival outcomes.
• Multivariate analysis indicated that steroid use was a major predictor of immunotherapy efficacy.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should carefully evaluate the necessity of corticosteroids in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy, especially at high doses. A multidisciplinary approach may be required to balance symptom management with the potential impact on treatment efficacy.

Conclusion

Highlight the need for research on corticosteroid mechanisms affecting immunotherapy.

References

1. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- Corticosteroids May Limit Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Patients With NSCLC
2. The ASCO Post, 2017 -- Managing Toxicities Associated With Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
3. The ASCO Post, 2017 -- Immunotherapy Challenges in Lung Cancer: From Patient Selection to Clinical and Financial Toxicity
4. PubMed, 2024 -- Therapy for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Without Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline
5. Consultor Salud, 2025 -- CRC-25-0051
6. The ASCO Post — Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy May Benefit Patients With Early-Stage NSCLC
7. Therapy for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Without Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2024.3 - PubMed
8. crc-25-0051 1082..1094
9. Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: ASCO Guideline Update - PubMed