Combination approaches in NSCLC involving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibition has been proven to be highly efficacious in NSCLC and associated with durable responses in a limited number of patients. Chemotherapy and targeted therapies, which have also expanded rapidly in this field lead to high response rates and improved survival although inevitably resistance occurs and hence treatment failure. There is increasing evidence showing that chemotherapy and targeted therapy interplay with the immune system including exerting effects on tumor cells and the host immune cells. Naturally combining both of these treatment modalities to induce cytotoxic effects on tumor cells to release tumor antigens and priming of the immune system should in turn lead to enhanced anticancer activity. This review will explore some of the preclinical rationale and clinical trial data we have to date on combining various systemic therapies with immunotherapies.