Research advances in immune checkpoint drugs for non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies globally, accounting for 85% of lung cancer cases. The rapid advancements in immunotherapy have significantly improved the prognosis of NSCLC patients.Methods: This article provides a comprehensive review of the clinical applications and latest research on commonly used immune checkpoint inhibitors as well as emerging immune checkpoint inhibitors and agonists in NSCLC treatment, providing valuable clinical guidance.Results: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and CTLA-4 inhibitors, have been widely utilized in NSCLC treatment, leading to substantial increases in patient survival and improvements in quality of life. However, challenges persist in terms of tumor complexity, interindividual variability, drug resistance, and adverse reactions. The emergence of novel immune checkpoints, such as LAG-3, TIM-3, OX-40, and ICOS, opens up new research directions to address these issues.Conclusion: Immune checkpoint inhibitors play a crucial role in the treatment of NSCLC, and the investigation of emerging immune checkpoint inhibitors and agonists presents promising therapeutic opportunities. A comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of these drugs contributes to the development of personalized treatments, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes and prognosis for NSCLC patients.