NYC Gazette

Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have reported that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a significant type of cancer immunotherapy, are not particularly effective for hospitalized cancer patients. The study, titled “Inpatient Immunotherapy Outcomes Study: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis,” was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology: Oncology Practice.

According to the study, patients receiving ICIs while hospitalized had a median survival rate of only one and a half months post-treatment. Dr. Deborah Doroshow, MD, PhD, Associate Professor at The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai and lead author of the study, stated, “ICIs are frequently administered to inpatients as a last-ditch effort, despite the lack of robust data supporting their benefit in this setting.” She emphasized that their research provides clear evidence that most patients do not significantly benefit from this treatment and highlighted potential risks.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors help the body's immune system identify and destroy cancer cells and have been transformative for many cancer types. However, they are often limited for inpatient use due to high costs and lack of reimbursement. Previous single-center studies suggested limited efficacy among hospitalized patients; this new multicenter analysis reinforces these findings.

The research involved collaboration with Stanford University, Georgetown University, Yale University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Data from 215 patients who received ICIs during hospitalization were analyzed. Findings revealed that 25% of these patients died in the hospital while only 12% seemed to benefit from treatment. No significant clinical or demographic factors were linked to positive responses.

Dr. Doroshow noted that ICIs typically require two to six months to show effectiveness; however, many hospitalized cancer patients have shorter life expectancies than this period allows.

These findings may impact hospital policies regarding ICI administration to inpatients. Many health systems already restrict their use due to financial constraints; this study suggests clinical caution is also warranted.

Dr. Doroshow remarked on clinician awareness: “For clinicians, this serves as a reminder that even though we often hope our patient will be the exception, the reality is that very few patients benefit from inpatient ICI therapy.” She added that families should understand that despite immunotherapy's promise elsewhere, its meaningful benefits in hospitals are unlikely.