Clinical Relevance of Targeted Therapy and Immune-Checkpoint Inhibition in Lung Cancer
Gian Marco Leone1, Saverio Candido1,2, Alessandro Lavoro1
1Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
Abstract:
Lung cancer (LC) represents the second most diagnosed tumor and the malignancy with the highest mortality rate. In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in the treatment of this tumor thanks to the discovery, testing, and clinical approval of novel therapeutic approaches. Firstly, targeted therapies aimed at inhibiting specific mutated tyrosine kinases or downstream factors were approved in clinical practice. Secondly, immunotherapy inducing the reactivation of the immune system to efficiently eliminate LC cells has been approved. This review describes in depth both current and ongoing clinical studies, which allowed the approval of targeted therapies and immune-checkpoint inhibitors as standard of care for LC. Moreover, the present advantages and pitfalls of new therapeutic approaches will be discussed. Finally, the acquired importance of human microbiota as a novel source of LC biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets to improve the efficacy of available therapies, was analyzed. Therapy against LC is increasingly becoming holistic, taking into consideration not only the genetic landscape of the tumor, but also the immune background and other individual variables, such as patient-specific gut microbial composition. On these bases, in the future, the research milestones reached will allow clinicians to treat LC patients with tailored approaches.
Insights
Recent advancements in lung cancer (LC) treatment include targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Research also explores the human microbiota for novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality.
- Novel therapeutic strategies have significantly improved LC treatment outcomes.
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapy are now standard of care for LC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and ongoing clinical studies on targeted therapies and immunotherapy for LC.
- To discuss the advantages and limitations of novel therapeutic approaches.
- To analyze the role of human microbiota in LC biomarkers and treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical studies on targeted therapies and immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
- Analysis of current research on human microbiota and its impact on LC.
- Discussion of future directions in personalized LC treatment.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have been approved and established as standard care for LC.
- Significant progress has been made in understanding the genetic landscape and immune background of LC.
- The human microbiota is emerging as a key factor in LC development and treatment response.
Conclusions:
- LC therapy is evolving towards a holistic approach, integrating tumor genetics, immune status, and patient-specific microbiota.
- Personalized treatment strategies hold promise for improving efficacy and patient outcomes in LC.
- Further research into microbiota-based biomarkers and therapies is crucial for advancing LC care.
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