Objective:

To systematically investigate the occurrence of pulmonary infections in lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), focusing on infection incidence, pathogenic spectrum, and risk stratification, to enhance understanding of infection risks.

Key Findings:

• Pulmonary infections were observed in 44 out of 107 patients (approximately 41.1%), indicating a significant health risk.
• Bacterial pathogens were the most common infectious agents identified, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
• Diabetes mellitus was identified as a significant risk factor for developing infections, necessitating closer monitoring of affected patients.

Interpretation:

The study highlights a significant incidence of pulmonary infections in lung cancer patients undergoing ICI therapy, emphasizing the need for enhanced clinical vigilance and preventive strategies.

Limitations:

• The study is retrospective and may be subject to selection bias, particularly in patient selection and data collection.
• The sample size is relatively small, limiting the generalizability of the findings to broader populations.
• Data on the severity of infections and long-term outcomes were not comprehensively analyzed, which could impact the understanding of infection management.

Conclusion:

The findings underscore the importance of monitoring for pulmonary infections in lung cancer patients receiving ICIs, particularly those with comorbidities like diabetes, and highlight the need for further research to address existing knowledge gaps.