Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) suffering from brain metastases (BM) has a poor prognosis and lacks effective treatment selection. In this study, we explored the efficacy and safety of combination treatment of albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-ptx), anlotinib, and PD-1/L1 inhibitors for such special population. METHODS: A total of 55 patients diagnosed with ES-SCLC and BM were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients received a combination therapy consisting of nab-ptx, anlotinib, and PD-1/L1 inhibitors. The primary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: The results demonstrated promising efficacy of the combination therapy for such patients, with an ORR of 36.36%, median PFS and OS of 5.0 and 10.0 m, correspondingly. Subgroup analyses indicated that treatment efficacy closely correlated with patients' Ds-GPA (Diagnosis-specified Graded Prognosis Assessment) scores. Mechanistic studies revealed that this regimen likely operates by reducing immune suppression to activate immune function, thereby exerting synergistic anti-tumor effects. The common AEs include decreased appetite, nausea, leukopenia, hypertension, proteinuria, hand-foot syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, rash, and thyroid toxicity, most of which are generally mild and can be alleviated with symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSION: The combination of nab-ptx, anlotinib, and PD-1/L1 inhibitors exhibited substantial efficacy and acceptable safety in the treatment of BM from ES-SCLC. This novel therapeutic approach holds promise for improving the outcomes for patients with this challenging disease. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and investigate the long-term benefits of this combination regimen.