Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathways have shown significant promise in the management of malignancies. However, their efficacy in older patients over the age of 65 was not well-known. A recent meta-study compared the efficacy of ICIs in older patients and younger patients. They reported that PD-1 (pembrolizumab and nivolumab) and PD-L1 (atezolizumab) inhibitors had similar efficacy profile in both younger and elderly patients. The improvement in survival was consistent across the age cut-off of 65 years.
Source: Elias R, Giobbie-Hurder A, McCleary NJ, Ott P, Hodi FS, Rahma O. Efficacy of PD-1 & PD-L1 inhibitors in older adults: a meta-analysis. Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer. 2018; 6:26.
