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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
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Advances in the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Immunotherapy

Shetal A Patel1, Jared Weiss1

  • 1Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Houpt Building, Campus Box 7305, 170 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.

Clinics in Chest Medicine
|May 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Immune checkpoint blockade therapies, like PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies, offer durable responses for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. While generally safe, these treatments can cause immune-related side effects, improving patient survival.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment has been revolutionized by immune checkpoint blockade.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 pathways are key therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the clinical impact and safety of immune checkpoint blockade in advanced NSCLC.
  • To highlight the role of these agents in current treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical data on immune checkpoint blockade therapies in NSCLC.
  • Analysis of efficacy, safety, and treatment guidelines.

Main Results:

  • PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies demonstrate significant and durable responses in advanced NSCLC.
  • These agents are approved for first- and second-line treatments, alone or combined with chemotherapy/antiangiogenics.
  • Immune-mediated adverse events, including pneumonitis, are observed despite a generally favorable toxicity profile.

Conclusions:

  • Immune checkpoint blockade has significantly improved survival for patients with advanced NSCLC.
  • Broader application of these therapies continues to enhance patient prognosis.
Keywords:
CTLA-4Immune checkpoint blockadeNon–small cell lung cancerPD-1PD-L1Tumor mutation burden

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