Efficacy of Lower Fixed Dose Pembrolizumab in the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients in a Lower-Middle Income Country: Jordan Experience

Review Data

Q: Is the topic relevant to the journal's area of interest? Is it contemporary and interesting for

researchers?

A: Very good

Abstract & Keywords

Q: Are all required components included in the abstract? Are the keywords appropriately chosen?

A: Excellent

Goal

Q: Is the goal explicitly stated in the Introduction? Is its formulation clear and unambiguous?

A: Very good

Structure

Q: Is the paper's structure coherent? Is it in coherence with the goal of the paper?

A: Very good

Tools and Methods

Q: Are the methods the author uses adequate and well used?

A: Good

Discussion & Conclusion

Q: Is it related to the results presented before? Do you consider them as coherent?

A: Very good

Comments:

This retrospective study reviewed the clinical data of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who were treated in three different Jordanian hospitals with pembrolizumab-based therapy in first-line setting. The study is well supported with briefly explained figures. The Discussion puts forth the rationale for taking up the study, effectively describes the relevant literature and enlists the implications of the findings from the present study in that context. It showed that a lower fixed dose of pembrolizumab (100mg every 3 weeks) is feasible and has no difference in objective response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS), or overall survival (OS) in a Jordanian cohort, with significant cost savings and wider patient accessibility. The Conclusion is apt in recommending a randomized trial for investigating the low dose with significant cost reduction potential.

Literature

Q: Does the author utilize relevant literature?

A: Very good

Author's knowledge

Q: What is the level of the author’s knowledge? Does the author utilize all recent contributions relevant to the topic?

A: Very good

Length

Q: Is the length of the paper adequate to the significance of the topic? Do you suggest shortening the paper without losing its value?

A: Good

Figures & Tables

Q: Does the author use them suitably? Are legend and notations clear?

A: Very good

Writing style

Q: Is it clear and understandable?

A: Very good

Further comments on the paper

Comments: This study aims to retrospectively assess the efficacy of pembrolizumab based therapy in the first line setting treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients from Jordan, and to compare a lower fixed dose (100mg) of pembrolizumab versus a standard fixed dose (200mg). The study holds significance as the lower dose will have significant cost reduction since Jordan is a low-middle income country. This study revealed that the addition of pembrolizumab to first line treatment protocols in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in this Jordanian cohort of patients is of high clinical importance.

Q: Would you recommend this manuscript for further publication?

A: Yes - Suitable to be published

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Science Repository Team