Targeting immune checkpoints in non small cell lung cancer

Cancers have the ability to disrupt immune response by interfering with adaptive immunity. Blocking checkpoint pathways has become a target for pharmacological research in lung cancer with particular focus on peptides PD-1 and CTLA-4.A number of immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) targeting both PD-1 and CTLA-4 pathways are under investigation within clinical trials, of which Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab and Atezolizumab have already been approved for lung cancer treatment by both FDA and EMA.Employed as single-agents in current practice for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ICIs have exhibited advantages in terms of overall survival and response rate with some responses being durable.Evaluating combinations of different inhibitors, dosing and sequencing within a multimodal therapy approach, together with better management of toxicity represents a new challenge for future research of therapy targeting immune check-points.