Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects

Cells. 2022 Jan 19;11(3):320. doi: 10.3390/cells11030320.

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the most common types of malignances worldwide and the main cause of cancer-related deaths. Current treatment for NSCLC is based on surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy, with poor therapeutic effectiveness. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have applied in NSCLC treatment. A large number of experimental studies have shown that immune checkpoint inhibitors are safer and more effective than traditional therapeutic modalities and have allowed for the development of better guidance in the clinical treatment of advanced NSCLC patients. In this review, we describe clinical trials using ICI immunotherapies for NSCLC treatment, the available data on clinical efficacy, and the emerging evidence regarding biomarkers.

Keywords: CTLA-4; PD-1/PD-L1; biomarkers; immune checkpoint inhibitors; immunotherapy; non-small cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • B7-H1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung*
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects
  • Lung Neoplasms*

Substances

  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors