Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are crucial in cancer therapy, highlighting the immune system's role in tumor surveillance.
• ICIs are increasingly integrated into lung cancer treatment protocols for various stages and histologies.
• Radiotherapy's role alongside immunotherapy is an evolving area in lung cancer management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the integration of immunotherapy and radiotherapy in lung cancer.
• To outline the current and emerging uses of immunotherapy with radiotherapy for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• To review pivotal clinical trials that have shaped the standard of care.

Main Methods:

• This is a narrative review.
• Literature search focused on immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and lung cancer treatment.
• Key clinical trials and practice-changing studies were selected for discussion.

Main Results:

• Concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by consolidative durvalumab is a National Comprehensive Cancer Network-recommended regimen for lung cancer.
• Other treatment paradigms involving ICIs with chemotherapy and/or surgery are also recognized.
• The review synthesizes evidence on the synergistic effects of combining these modalities.

Conclusions:

• The combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy offers synergistic benefits in managing lung cancers.
• Evidence supports the use of these combined approaches in both SCLC and NSCLC.
• Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to refine treatment strategies for lung cancer.