Small cell transformation of non-small cell lung cancer under immunotherapy: Case series and literature review

In advanced lung cancer treatment, immunotherapy provides durable responses in some patients. However, other patients experience progressive disease and the resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy have yet been fully elucidated. Small cell transformation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is commonly recognized as one of the resistance mechanisms to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in EGFR-mutant NSCLC treatment. As a resistant mechanism for immunotherapy, we report the first case of small cell transformation in 2017. Since then, eight similar cases have been reported and the concept of small cell transformation is now becoming more prevalent as a mechanism of immunotherapy resistance. In our facility, we have experienced four cases of small cell transformation after immunotherapy (including the reported case in 2017). The histology of each primary tumor was squamous cell carcinoma, large cell type neuroendocrine carcinoma, or poorly differentiated NSCLC. None had driver gene mutations. Nivolumab was administered in all four cases and atezolizumab was administered as a next line to nivolumab treatment in one case. The best response to immunotherapy was partial response or stable disease. There was a wide range of periods from the start of immunotherapy to confirmation of small cell transformation (from 2 weeks to almost 3 years). In conclusion, small cell transformation is an important resistance mechanism in cancer immunotherapy. When NSCLC progresses after immunotherapy, the possibility of small cell transformation and rebiopsy should always be encouraged, as it leads to clarification of the resistance mechanisms and frequency.

Automated summary

Small cell transformation is recognized as an important resistance mechanism in cancer immunotherapy, with several similar cases reported. When non-small cell lung cancer progresses after immunotherapy, rebiopsy for small cell transformation should be encouraged for clarification of resistance mechanisms.