PD-1 Blockade in Early-Stage Lung Cancer

Abstract

Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer is a potentially curable disease, but with relapse rates exceeding 50% with standard treatments, this is a patient population in critical need of therapy innovation. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized the treatment strategy for advanced lung cancer. However, the role of this therapy in earlier-stage disease is largely unknown. The study of immunotherapy in earlier-stage disease has many advantages, including assessment of pathologic response and incorporation of translational scientific analyses to evaluate antitumor immune responses. Multiple clinical trials are currently under way, with promising early results.

Keywords: NSCLC; PD-1 immunotherapy; early stage; neoadjuvant; nivolumab; non–small cell lung cancer; pembrolizumab.