Immunotherapy - new perspective in lung cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunotherapy
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Lung carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
• Classified into squamous NSCLC, non-squamous NSCLC, and small cell lung cancer, with increasing subtype subdivision for treatment guidance.
• Immunotherapy has emerged as a significant treatment modality in both adjuvant and palliative settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current immunotherapy applications in lung carcinoma treatment.
• To explore optimal immunotherapy schemes, combinations, and dosing.
• To investigate the role of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Review of major clinical studies on immunotherapy in lung carcinoma.
• Analysis of trials in adjuvant, palliative, and maintenance therapy settings.
• Examination of specific immunotherapeutic agents like pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and others.

Main Results:

• Immunotherapy has demonstrated increased overall survival across various lung carcinoma subtypes (squamous NSCLC, non-squamous NSCLC, small cell lung cancer).
• Trials have assessed immunotherapies in first-line and subsequent palliative settings, as well as adjuvant and maintenance therapy.
• The use of immunotherapy introduces distinct side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy, necessitating specialized clinical management.

Conclusions:

• Immunotherapy offers a promising approach to improve outcomes for lung carcinoma patients.
• Further research is needed to fully answer questions regarding optimal treatment strategies and the predictive role of PD-L1.
• Managing immunotherapy-related side effects is crucial for patient care.