Emerging Immunotherapy and Antibody-Derived Therapeutics for the Treatment of Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A

Alicia Yunxin Hou1, Dina Elantably2, Rami Manochakian2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.

Cancers
|May 4, 2026
PubMed

Background: In the last decade, a surge of advancements in and approvals of immunotherapies has revolutionized the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Even as an increasing number of immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates gained FDA approval for the remarkable response and durable remission they imparted to some patients, persistent challenges of primary and acquired resistance, imperfect predictive biomarkers, and toxicity remain. Methods: This review identifies and summarizes the most significant emerging clinical data being reported for immunotherapies in NSCLC. Results: We found that the most recent clinical trials are centered on antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific and multispecific antibodies, cellular therapies, and immunocytokines, while other ongoing trials continue to explore new monoclonal antibodies as well as a variety of immunotherapy modalities. Conclusions: Immunotherapy in NSCLC remains an area of rapid advancement, with the potential for further improvements in safety and efficacy as monotherapy and in multimodal approaches.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.0K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

1.4K
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.5K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
8.5K
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
1.3K