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Updated: Feb 1, 2026
Exosomal miRNA Analysis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer NSCLC Patients' Plasma Through qPCR: A Feasible Liquid Biopsy Tool
Published on: May 27, 2016
Challenges and unanswered questions for the next decade of immune-oncology research in NSCLC
Niki Karachaliou1,2, Manuel Fernandez-Bruno1, Jillian Wilhelmina Paulina Bracht2
1Institute of Oncology Rosell (IOR), University Hospital Sagrat Cor, QuironSalud Group, Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Over the last 20 years there have been great advances in the treatment of lung cancer. Immune checkpoint blockade together with targeted therapies have provided oncologists with the means to improve survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and patients with a better quality of life and therapies with manageable toxicity. Maybe in a short period of time the possibility of a cure in metastatic NSCLC will be raised. Therefore, continued research into new drugs, biomarkers and especially combination therapies is necessary in order to expand the clinical benefit of the current treatments to a broader population of NSCLC patients. The purpose of our review is to highlight our thoughts about potential mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy that, if better explored, can provide us with both biomarkers to predict response to these therapies and partners to combine with and prolong the benefit of immune checkpoint blockade. We are presenting our own experience of immunotherapy with a case report from our institution.
Insights
Advances in lung cancer treatment, including immunotherapy, offer improved survival for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Further research into resistance mechanisms and combination therapies is crucial to expand treatment benefits.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Significant progress in lung cancer treatment over the past two decades.
- Immune checkpoint blockade and targeted therapies have improved survival and quality of life for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
- Current treatments offer manageable toxicity, raising hopes for a potential cure for metastatic NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential mechanisms of resistance to cancer immunotherapy.
- To identify biomarkers for predicting response to immunotherapy.
- To explore combination therapy strategies to prolong the benefits of immune checkpoint blockade.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on lung cancer treatment and immunotherapy resistance.
- Discussion of potential mechanisms underlying resistance to immune checkpoint blockade.
- Presentation of a case report detailing institutional experience with immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Identification of key areas for future research in overcoming immunotherapy resistance.
- Highlighting the need for novel biomarkers to guide treatment decisions.
- Emphasizing the potential of combination therapies to enhance clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Continued research into new drugs, biomarkers, and combination therapies is essential.
- Understanding immunotherapy resistance mechanisms can lead to improved patient selection and treatment strategies.
- The goal is to expand the clinical benefit of current treatments to a broader NSCLC population.
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