Glucocorticoid Use Impacts NSCLC Survival on ICIs

Aug 5, 2026 · Published in: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Oncology

Background Information

High-dose glucocorticoids may harm NSCLC patients on ICIs.

Understanding the impact of glucocorticoid use on survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is crucial for treatment decisions. Concomitant glucocorticoid use increased mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.36), and early or high-dose exposure reduced overall survival (OS) with aHRs of 1.49 and 1.61, respectively. The study highlights the potential negative impact of early and high-dose glucocorticoid use on survival in NSCLC patients on ICIs, suggesting careful consideration of glucocorticoid timing and dosing. Early or high-dose glucocorticoid use may worsen survival in NSCLC patients on ICIs.

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Authors: Lee DE, Lim G, Ko M, Kim M, Chun JS, Lee B, Kim M, Kim K, Choi BK, Seo J, Kang JH, Ko T, Kim IW, Oh JM

Citation: Lee DE, Lim G, Ko M, et al. Early and High-Dose Glucocorticoid Use and Survival in Advanced NSCLC Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Multicenter Target Trial Emulation. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics. 2026. doi:10.1002/cpt.70424

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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