Figure 4.

High cytokine levels predict longer progression-free survival (PFS) in checkpoint inhibitor treated patients. Baseline and follow-up blood samples were analyzed for levels of interferon β (IFNβ), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). (A) Survival analysis for PFS according to cytokine level in baseline blood sample. For each cytokine, the patients were dichotomized by the individual median cytokine concentration into a low and a high cytokine group. (B) Survival analysis for PFS according to cytokine score calculated from baseline MCP1 and TNFα levels. (C) Survival analysis for PFS according to cytokine score calculated from MCP1 and TNFα levels measured at week 6–8 after therapy initiation. Tick marks denote censored patients. (n = 16). HR; hazard ratio.