Immune checkpoint inhibitors as first-line and salvage therapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
Marios P Decatris1, Kenneth J O'Byrne2
1Gloucestershire Oncology Centre, Cheltenham General Hospital, Sandford Road, Cheltenham GL53 7AN, UK.
Abstract:
Advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a poor prognosis with few treatment options available for patients after failure of first-line therapy. Nivolumab is the first immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting the PD-1 to be approved in recurrent NSCLC with squamous and nonsquamous histology. More recently, pembrolizumab has also been approved as salvage therapy in PD-L1-positive recurrent NSCLC. The success of immunotherapy in malignant melanoma, previously a disease with no effective treatment, has generated optimism and expectation that some of the checkpoint inhibitors currently in clinical development will soon become available as first-line therapy and hence improve outcomes for the vast majority of patients with advanced NSCLC. This article summarizes the progress accomplished in the field and discusses controversies surrounding the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Insights
Advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment options are limited after initial therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab and pembrolizumab show promise, offering new hope for patients with advanced NSCLC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a poor prognosis, especially after first-line treatment failure.
- Limited therapeutic options exist for patients with recurrent or refractory NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced NSCLC.
- To discuss the current landscape and controversies surrounding PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in NSCLC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical approvals and ongoing research in NSCLC immunotherapy.
- Analysis of the efficacy and application of nivolumab and pembrolizumab.
Main Results:
- Nivolumab is approved for recurrent NSCLC (squamous and nonsquamous histology).
- Pembrolizumab is approved as salvage therapy for PD-L1-positive recurrent NSCLC.
- Immunotherapy success in melanoma fuels optimism for NSCLC treatment.
Conclusions:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent a significant advancement in NSCLC therapy.
- Further research and clinical development are expected to expand their role, potentially including first-line treatment.
- Controversies regarding their optimal use and patient selection persist.
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