Neoadjuvant anti-programmed death-1 immunotherapy by pembrolizumab in resectable non-small cell lung cancer: results of the NEOMUN trial

BACKGROUND: The phase II NEOMUN trial was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effect of preoperative programmed death receptor-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we report the final efficacy, safety, and long-term survival results. METHODS: Patients with resectable stage II/IIIA NSCLC were included. Two cycles of pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks) were administered before surgery. The primary objectives were to assess the feasibility and safety of neoadjuvant treatment and evaluate antitumor activity. We analyzed the clinical parameters and pathologic, radiological, and metabolic tumor response data. RESULTS: 29 patients with NSCLC were enrolled. NSCLC histology revealed adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in 24 and in 5 patients, respectively. 93.1% of patients were treated with two therapy cycles. 73 adverse events were reported, of which 18 were treatment-related. Complete tumor resection rate was 100%. Major (

• Eichhorn, M. E.
• Niedermaier, B.
• Charoentong, P.
• Klotz, L. V.
• Baum, P.
• Griffo, R.
• Allgäuer, M.
• Stenzinger, A.
• Bischoff, H.
• Schneider, M. A.
• Christopoulos, P.
• Haberkorn, U.
• Heußel, C. P.
• Savai, R.
• Roberti, M. P.
• Zoernig, I.
• Jäger, D.
• Herth, F.
• Thomas, M.
• Winter, H.
• Eichhorn, F.