Khorana risk score in lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a real-world study.

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer patients are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thrombosis, particularly when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The Khorana Risk Score (KRS), an effective tool for predicting VTE risk in chemotherapy recipients, needs further validation in lung cancer patients treated with ICIs.

METHODS

We utilized a global database and conducted a retrospective cohort study. Lung cancer patients receiving ICIs were classified into intermediate (KRS 1-2) and high-risk (KRS ≥ 3) groups. The primary outcome was VTE, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE); secondary outcomes included arterial thrombosis and all-cause mortality. Risk comparisons were performed using Cox proportional hazards analysis.

RESULTS

Among 5,378 patients, those with a high KRS had a greater risk of VTE (HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.15-1.65), including DVT (HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.12-1.82) and PE (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05-1.67). High KRS was also associated with increased arterial thrombosis (HR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.29-1.96), ischemic stroke (HR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.32-2.25), and elevated mortality (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.48-1.87).

CONCLUSION

A high KRS (≥ 3) is associated with a higher risk of thrombotic events and mortality in lung cancer patients treated with ICIs. These findings suggest that KRS may aid risk stratification in this population, warranting further prospective research.