Journal of UOEH
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Cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has become a "game changer" in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its most clinically important advantage over traditional chemotherapy using cytotoxic agents are its long-term survival benefits, and some advanced NSCLC patients treated with an antibody against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) have survived for 5 years or longer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are also potentially useful for earlier-stage NSCLC when used in combination with surgery or radiotherapy. ⋯ To improve the therapeutic outcomes, development of novel biomarkers other than PD-L1 expression status is essential. Combination treatment strategies based on blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 may also be promising, and a variety of combinations, such as ICIs plus chemotherapy, are being examined in ongoing clinical trials. Here we review and discuss the current status and future perspectives of immunotherapy with ICIs.