The association between acupuncture and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, yet low response rates and resistance remain challenges. Emerging evidence suggests acupuncture may enhance ICI effectiveness by reprogramming immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 217 ICI-treated NSCLC patients. Patients who initiated acupuncture before median progression-free survival (mPFS, 8.87 months) of the overall population were classified as the acupuncture group (n = 97). Cox regression analysis was employed to evaluate the association between clinical characteristics and outcomes. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to mitigate selection bias. Subgroup and interaction analyses were conducted

SUBMITTER: Zhou R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12447595 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature