Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Using 22C3 Anti-PD-L1 Antibody Concentrate on Biopsy and Cytology Samples from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Published on: September 25, 2018
PD-L1 biomarker testing for non-small cell lung cancer: truth or fiction?
1NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, Hematology/Oncology, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, 6GN-435, New York, NY 10032 USA.
Abstract:
Research in cancer immunology is currently accelerating following a series of cancer immunotherapy breakthroughs during the last 5 years. Various monoclonal antibodies which block the interaction between checkpoint molecules PD-1 on immune cells and PD-L1 on cancer cells have been used to successfully treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including some durable responses lasting years. Two drugs, nivolumab and pembrolizumab, are now FDA approved for use in certain patients who have failed or progressed on platinum-based or targeted therapies while agents targeting PD-L1, atezolizumab and durvalumab, are approaching the final stages of clinical testing. Despite impressive treatment outcomes in a subset of patients who receive these immune therapies, many patients with NSCLC fail to respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and the identification of a biomarker to select these patients remains highly sought after. In this review, we discuss the recent clinical trial results of pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab for NSCLC, and the significance of companion diagnostic testing for tumor PD-L1 expression.
Insights
Cancer immunotherapy using PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors shows promise for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Identifying biomarkers like PD-L1 expression is crucial for patient selection and treatment success.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy has advanced significantly in recent years.
- Monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 interactions have shown success in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Nivolumab and pembrolizumab are FDA-approved for specific NSCLC patient groups; atezolizumab and durvalumab are in late-stage trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent clinical trial data for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in NSCLC.
- To discuss the role of PD-L1 expression as a predictive biomarker.
- To highlight the importance of companion diagnostic testing for PD-L1.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial results for pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab in NSCLC.
- Analysis of the significance of PD-L1 expression as a biomarker.
- Discussion of companion diagnostic testing for PD-L1 tumor expression.
Main Results:
- Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies have demonstrated durable responses in a subset of NSCLC patients.
- A significant number of NSCLC patients do not respond to current anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.
- Tumor PD-L1 expression is a key area of investigation for patient selection.
Conclusions:
- Pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab represent important advancements in NSCLC immunotherapy.
- Identifying predictive biomarkers, such as PD-L1 expression, is critical for optimizing treatment outcomes.
- Companion diagnostic testing for PD-L1 is essential for personalized NSCLC treatment strategies.
More Related Videos
10:29Semi-automatic PD-L1 Characterization and Enumeration of Circulating Tumor Cells from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients by Immunofluorescence
Published on: August 14, 2019
07:59Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023