Clinical Trials Investigating Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Title:Clinical Trials Investigating Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Volume: 11 Issue: 4

Author(s): Anshu Giri, Simrit S. Walia and Ajeet Gajra

Affiliation:

Keywords: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Abstract: Introduction: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor overall survival that accounts for up to 85% of lung cancer diagnoses. The use of immunotherapy in the form of checkpoint inhibition, to enhance the immune system’s ability to attack malignant cells, has been a promising addition to treatment options in advanced NSCLC.

Results: Such therapeutic agents aimed at the Programmed Death 1 (PD-1) receptor or Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) have revealed promising results against many types of cancer including NSCLC. Examples of these agents include nivolumab, pembrolizumab, BMS-936559, atezolizumab, and MEDI4736, of which the first two are approved by US FDA in the second line treatment of advanced NSCLC.

Discussion: Impressive improvements in objective responses from PD-1 blockade were found in both first line therapy as well as treatment after progression on platinum based therapy. In addition, the safety profile is favorable with significantly lower grade 3-4 adverse events compared to standard of care. The optimal selection criteria and factors that show an increased response to therapy are still being determined.

Cite this article as:

Giri Anshu, Walia S. Simrit and Gajra Ajeet, Clinical Trials Investigating Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer, Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials 2016; 11 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1574887111666160724181330