Clinicopathological features and therapeutic advances in primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (Review)

Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PPLELC) is a rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, the clinicopathological features and molecular mechanisms of which are markedly different from those of other lung cancer subtypes. In recent years, with in-depth research in molecular pathology and immunology, notable progress has been achieved in the pathogenesis, diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies of PPLELC. Epidemiological studies have shown that PPLELC is closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and the role of EBV in tumorigenesis has become a particular research focus. In addition, the unique immune microenvironment characteristics of PPLELC provide potential targets for immunotherapy. The present review systematically summarizes the epidemiology, pathological features, molecular biological mechanisms and diagnostic methods of PPLELC and focuses on discussing the association between EBV infection and tumorigenesis, the characteristics of immune microenvironment, as well as the latest advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The aim was to provide a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic framework for clinicians and to prospect future research directions.