A Literature Review on Current Evidence of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are changing the landscape in management of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes antigen-4 (CTLA-4) are two important co-inhibitory receptors which can lead to suppression of T-cell function when bound to its ligands. Results from multiple large randomised phase 3 trials have shown a significant improvement in overall survival with durable response in selected group of patients following immune checkpoint blockage compared to second lines chemotherapy. Emerging evidences have shown promising responses to treatment in patients whose tumour has programmed cell death ligand -1 (PD-L1) ≥ 50% expression compared to standard first line platinum-based chemotherapy. Combination therapies of immune checkpoint inhibitors with other agents including chemotherapy are underway. Here we summarize the results of immune checkpoint blockade trials when used as monotherapy and in combination with other agents in advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma.