IMPACT OF PD-1 INHIBITORS COMBINED WITH DOCETAXEL/CISPLATIN ON TREATMENT OUTCOMES AND RECOVERY POTENTIAL IN RECURRENT NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER: IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REHABILITATION AND PERFORMANCE
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse prognostic factors associated with PD-1 inhibitors in combination with docetaxel/cisplatin for the treatment of recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to explore the implications for recovery and physical rehabilitation in cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective, clinical, non-randomized, controlled study was conducted on 150 patients with recurrent NSCLC treated between 2018 and 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: combination therapy with PD-1 inhibitors and docetaxel/cisplatin (n=90) and chemotherapy alone (n=60). Treatment outcomes, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events were assessed. Physical function and quality of life were evaluated using performance metrics, including the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and patient-reported outcomes. Logistic regression was used to identify adverse prognostic factors. Results: The combination therapy group demonstrated significantly improved PFS (median 12.4 months vs. 7.8 months, P < 0.01) and OS (median 24.2 months vs. 16.3 months, P < 0.01) compared to the chemotherapy-only group. Adverse events, including fatigue, neutropenia, and pneumonitis, were more frequent in the combination group but were manageable with appropriate interventions. ECOG performance status improved significantly in the combination group, correlating with better physical function and quality of life (P < 0.05). Prognostic factors such as baseline ECOG status, tumor PD-L1 expression, and age were identified as significant predictors of outcomes. Conclusion: PD-1 inhibitors combined with docetaxel/cisplatin offer significant survival benefits for patients with recurrent NSCLC, with manageable adverse effects. Improved physical performance and quality of life in the combination therapy group underscore the potential of this treatment to enhance recovery and support rehabilitation efforts. These findings highlight the need for integrated care models that address both oncological and physical recovery, enabling patients to achieve better overall outcomes and functional independence. Future research should explore tailored rehabilitation strategies to complement advanced cancer therapies and optimize patient quality of life