Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Pembrolizumab in Patients Diagnosed with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Real-World Study in a Colombian Health Insurance Provide
Author(s)
Jhon E. Bolaños, MSc, MD1, Carlos J. Bello, M.Sc1, Farley Gonzalez, M.D, M.sc2, Luz E. Perez Jaramillo, M.D, M.Sc3;
1IPS Suramericana, Cali, Colombia, 2IPS Suramericana, Medellin, Colombia, 3IPS Suramericana, Medica, Medellin, Colombia
1IPS Suramericana, Cali, Colombia, 2IPS Suramericana, Medellin, Colombia, 3IPS Suramericana, Medica, Medellin, Colombia
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of pembrolizumab in patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) within a Colombian health insurance provider
METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed NSCLC patients treated with pembrolizumab at a Colombian health insurance provider between 2018 and 2023. Data were obtained through a comprehensive review of electronic medical records, focusing on demographic, clinical characteristics and outcomes.
RESULTS: Between 2018 and 2023, 386 NSCLC patients treated with pembrolizumab were identified. The median age was 67 years, with 51.3% being men. Most patients belonged to the contributory health insurance regimen (94.3%) and resided in Antioquia (78.76%). Pembrolizumab was administered as first-line therapy in 72.28% of cases and in combination therapy in 79.79%. The median number of hospitalizations and emergency visits was 0. Survival rates were 58.61% at one year, 39.04% at 24 months, and 17.82% at 60 months. Significant results were observed in patients over 65 years (p=0.045). Adverse events were limited, with infections being the most common, affecting 25.91% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Pembrolizumab improves short-term survival in Colombian NSCLC patients, showing a favorable hematologic safety profile. However, the high incidence of infections highlights the need for ongoing clinical monitoring. Study limitations include incomplete data on clinical care and potential underreporting of adverse events compared to controlled trials. Access to advanced therapies remains a significant challenge, underscoring the need for improved safety surveillance and resource allocation.
METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed NSCLC patients treated with pembrolizumab at a Colombian health insurance provider between 2018 and 2023. Data were obtained through a comprehensive review of electronic medical records, focusing on demographic, clinical characteristics and outcomes.
RESULTS: Between 2018 and 2023, 386 NSCLC patients treated with pembrolizumab were identified. The median age was 67 years, with 51.3% being men. Most patients belonged to the contributory health insurance regimen (94.3%) and resided in Antioquia (78.76%). Pembrolizumab was administered as first-line therapy in 72.28% of cases and in combination therapy in 79.79%. The median number of hospitalizations and emergency visits was 0. Survival rates were 58.61% at one year, 39.04% at 24 months, and 17.82% at 60 months. Significant results were observed in patients over 65 years (p=0.045). Adverse events were limited, with infections being the most common, affecting 25.91% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Pembrolizumab improves short-term survival in Colombian NSCLC patients, showing a favorable hematologic safety profile. However, the high incidence of infections highlights the need for ongoing clinical monitoring. Study limitations include incomplete data on clinical care and potential underreporting of adverse events compared to controlled trials. Access to advanced therapies remains a significant challenge, underscoring the need for improved safety surveillance and resource allocation.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
CO148
Topic
Clinical Outcomes
Disease
SDC: Oncology