Immunotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer: A rubik’s cube to assemble

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer and is usually not diagnosed until an advanced-stage disease is present. Chemotherapy is the recommended treatment; however, it is known that chemotherapy alone has a low cure rate, harmful side effects, and a lack of sensitivity. Therefore, alternatives to improve the patient’s experience and outcomes with immunotherapy are being used as first-line treatment in patients with NSCLC. Patients may develop primary or acquired resistance against immunotherapy, and the mechanisms of resistance are not yet fully understood. Currently, several new approaches are being developed to overcome immunotherapy resistance in NSCLC. Herein, we briefly discuss pathways driving resistance to immunotherapy and new alternatives that are being developed to overcome resistance.