Dr. Kim Addresses Concerns About Hyperprogression in NSCLC

Edward S. Kim, MD, chair, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, discusses the prevalence of hyperprogression and pseudoprogression in patients who receive immunotherapy.

Hyperprogression and pseudoprogression have been discussed since the advent of immunotherapy. Historically, it has not been as evident in patients with lung cancer as in those with melanoma.

Hyperprogression has also been reported, he says. It is seen with chemotherapy and in patients who receive the designated therapy for a specific mutation or alteration; sometimes, these patients will have a high progression rate early on. Kim notes that it is likely not directly related to an immunogenic cause. In certain subsets of patients, proper treatment is not enough to combat the disease. It’s going to require more investigation and research to figure out why there are refractory responses to treatment.