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Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer: From a Minor God to the Olympus
Alessandro Russo1,2, Michael G McCusker1, Katherine A Scilla1
1University of Maryland Medical Center, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Abstract:
Over the last decade, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, with the advent of novel therapeutic approaches that target or manipulate the immune system, also known as immunotherapy. Blocking immune checkpoints has emerged as an effective strategy with unprecedented results in several solid tumors, including lung cancer. Since 2012 when PD(L)-1 inhibitors showed first clinical signals of activity in lung cancer, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has emerged as a novel effective therapeutic strategy in different settings, determining a dramatic change in the therapeutic landscape of both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and, more recently, small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Although the benefit from this novel therapeutic approach is undeniable, several open questions still remain unanswered. Herein, we summarize the major breakthroughs in the immunotherapy journey in lung cancer and how it is changing our clinical practice.
Insights
Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), has revolutionized lung cancer treatment. This approach, including PD-(L)1 inhibitors, offers significant benefits for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The last decade has seen a major shift in cancer treatment with the rise of immunotherapies.
- Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has shown remarkable success in treating various solid tumors, notably lung cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize key advancements in lung cancer immunotherapy.
- To discuss the impact of these breakthroughs on clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data and research on immune checkpoint inhibitors in lung cancer.
- Analysis of the evolution of immunotherapy strategies since 2012.
Main Results:
- Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), including PD-(L)1 inhibitors, has become a cornerstone therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
- Significant clinical benefits and a changed therapeutic landscape have been observed.
Conclusions:
- Immunotherapy has profoundly altered lung cancer treatment paradigms.
- Despite successes, further research is needed to address remaining questions in lung cancer immunotherapy.
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