Directions of Immunotherapy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treatment: Past, Present and Possible Future

Abstract

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common malignancies and the leading cause of death worldwide. LC is classified into two main histological subtypes: non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), representing the 85% of all LC types, and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), representing 15% of all lung neoplasm. The recent discovery and clinical approval of new therapeutic approaches has resulted in significant advancements in the management of NSCLC patients. This review aims to summarize the current and ongoing clinical trials that have led to the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the emerging immunotherapy approaches for advanced NSCLC patients. Additionally, the current benefits and drawbacks of these therapeutic strategies will be explored. The treatment for NSCLC is evolving toward a more comprehensive approach that considers both the tumor immune history and genomic features. In this respect, we hope that the ongoing research will make it possible to treat each NSCLC patient individually in the near future.