Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) and tumor response as biomarkers of nivolumab monotherapy in third- or later-line setting for advanced gastric cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: This study aimed to seek clinical biomarkers of nivolumab monotherapy for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) of which efficacy is limited. We focused on Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), which reflects systemic inflammatory and nutritional status as well as disease control by chemotherapy immediately before nivolumab (DCBC). Patients and Methods: AGC patients with measurable lesions who were treated with nivolumab in the third- or later-line were included. DCBC was defined as a best overall response of complete response (CR), partial response, stable disease, or non-CR/non-progressive disease achieved by chemotherapy immediately before nivolumab. Results: Eighty patients were analyzed. Among the various clinical factors, multivariable analysis revealed that a GPS of 2 was significantly associated with a shorter overall survival and DCBC was significantly associated with a longer progression-free survival. Conclusion: We present the potential of GPS and DCBC as efficient biomarkers of nivolumab for AGC, that warrants further evaluation.