[Chinese expert consensus on the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy for lung cancer (2025 edition)].

Abstract

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality rates among malignant tumors in both men and women in China. According to the latest analysis of the incidence of malignant tumors released by the National Cancer Center in 2022, there were 1.0606 million new cases of lung cancer and 733 300 deaths, resulting in a significant treatment burden. In recent years, research into the mechanisms of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with radiation therapy has deepened, and clinical evidence is rapidly accumulating, making this area a clinical focus. However, there are still many questions regarding treatment choices, highlighting the urgent need for standardized guidance. To further promote the standardization of the combined use of immunotherapy and radiation therapy in China, the National Cancer Center and the Oncology Multidisciplinary Medical Committee of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized a group of multidisciplinary experts to conduct in-depth discussions on the synergistic mechanisms, application models, and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with radiation therapy in lung cancer (including non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer). This effort led to the formation of the "Expert consensus on immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with radiation therapy for lung cancer in China" (referred to as "the consensus"). This consensus aims to provide guidance for the combined use of immunotherapy and radiation therapy, effectively benefiting lung cancer patients.