Impact of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor on the Survival in Elderly Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Review Data

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

researchers?

A: Excellent

Abstract & Keywords

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

A: Very good

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: Good

Tools and Methods

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

A: Very good

Discussion & Conclusion

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

A: Good

Comments:

The Discussion section summarizes from the results of the review that multivariate analysis revealed a significant independent association between a history of treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and a longer overall survival (OS) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) aged ≥70 years old. The figures and tables are well explained. The Conclusion is apt in demonstrating that NSCLC patients aged ≥70 years old who had received ICI therapy showed a longer overall survival than those who had not received ICI therapy. 

Literature

Q: Does the author utilize relevant literature?

A: 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: Good

Writing style

Q: Is it clear and understandable?

A: Very good

Further comments on the paper

Comments: This retrospective study analyses the relationship between a history of immune checkpoint inhibitor and overall survival in elderly patients (aged ≥70 years old) presented with non-small cell lung cancer who had received systemic anticancer therapy between 2015 and 2019. The study is of significance as although immune-related adverse events are problematic, ICI therapy has been shown to be associated with a lower frequency of severe adverse reactions as compared to cytotoxic chemotherapy proving to be a useful treatment agent for elderly patients with NSCLC. The retrospective nature of the study, small sample size, random errors and selection bias come out as some of the limitations of this study.

Q: Would you recommend this manuscript for further publication?

A: Yes - Suitable to be published

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Science Repository Team