Introduction to Immunotherapies Used in NSCLC

Welcome back to another MHE Between the Lines series. In this episode titled, Introduction to Immunotherapies Used in NSCLC, Dr. Chul Kim led the conversation about the following questions:

Before the advent of immunotherapies, how was non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously treated?

What were the unmet needs that led to the development of immunotherapies for patients with NSCLC?

Dr. Brian Henick highlighted that before the introduction of immunotherapies, treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) primarily relied on platinum-based chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and, when feasible, surgical resection, with targeted therapies reserved for patients harboring specific genetic mutations such as EGFR or ALK alterations. While these approaches provided modest survival benefits, they were often associated with significant toxicity and limited durability of response, particularly in advanced-stage disease. Many patients experienced disease progression despite initial treatment, highlighting the limitations of conventional cytotoxic strategies. These challenges underscored substantial unmet needs, including the need for more durable responses, improved overall survival, and better tolerability. Additionally, there was a lack of effective treatment options for patients without actionable mutations, leaving a large proportion of individuals with few therapeutic alternatives. The recognition of the role of immune evasion in tumor biology ultimately drove the development of immunotherapies, offering a novel mechanism to enhance antitumor immune responses and improve clinical outcomes in NSCLC.

Throughout the conversation, the experts provide a comprehensive reflection on the field and the factors that may shape how clinicians approach care moving forward.

In the next episode, Checkpoint Inhibitors in NSCLC: FDA-Approved Immunotherapies, Pivotal Trials, and Insights from EMPOWER-Lung 3, panelists will continue their discussion on new information on lung cancer management.