Evaluating Consolidative Thoracic Radiotherapy with Atezolizumab Maintenance in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: Insights from the Phase 2 TREASURE Trial

Consolidative thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) combined with atezolizumab maintenance did not improve overall survival in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) compared to atezolizumab alone.
Combination therapy resulted in significantly higher severe adverse events, including fatal outcomes, predominantly related to infections and respiratory complications.
Radiation-induced lymphocyte depletion was noted as a potential mechanism facilitating infections and toxicity in patients receiving TRT.
TRT in ES-SCLC with immunotherapy requires cautious patient selection and further research to identify beneficiaries without excessive risks.