Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Identifying PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors with Surface Plasmon Resonance Technology
Published on: May 2, 2025
Neoadjuvant PD-1 Blockade in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Current perspectives and Moving Forward
Kanako Shinada1, Shuji Murakami1
1Department of Thoracic Oncology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Japan.
Abstract:
Perioperative therapy for non-small cell lung cancer has been studied extensively in a bid to improve overall survival, as approximately half of the patients with surgically resectable tumors at the time of diagnosis relapse. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies, such as the anti-programmed death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade, have contributed to achieving an improved overall survival of patients with advanced stage lung cancer. Thus, the development of this treatment strategy has considerable potential to precipitate a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has several potential immunological benefits when used as a neoadjuvant therapy. However, there are concerns associated with this neoadjuvant therapy. Many studies have reported its efficacy, but there is limited evidence regarding the long-term survival of patients. Similarly, it is unclear whether existing biomarkers are adequate for monitoring the prognosis of patients, or if new biomarkers are required. In this article, we present recent reports on neoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy and discuss its future challenges.
Insights
Neoadjuvant anti-programmed death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade shows promise for non-small cell lung cancer. Further research is needed to confirm long-term survival benefits and optimize patient monitoring with biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a high relapse rate after surgery, necessitating improved perioperative therapies.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors, specifically anti-programmed death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade, have improved survival in advanced lung cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on neoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy for NSCLC.
- To discuss the potential benefits, challenges, and future directions of this immunotherapy strategy.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and clinical reports on neoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in NSCLC.
- Analysis of efficacy data, immunological benefits, and concerns regarding long-term outcomes and biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Neoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 blockade demonstrates potential immunological benefits for NSCLC patients.
- Current evidence on long-term survival remains limited, and the adequacy of existing biomarkers for prognosis is unclear.
Conclusions:
- Neoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 blockade represents a promising avenue for NSCLC treatment, potentially revolutionizing cancer immunotherapy.
- Further investigation is crucial to address uncertainties in long-term survival and biomarker development for patient monitoring.
