Immunotherapeutic Approaches in Lung Carcinoma:
Recent Advances and Future Directions
Author: Saransh Gupta
MBBS 2nd Year, AIIMS Bathinda
Email id: saranshgupta1972@gmail.com
Non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), representing approximately 80% of lung cancer
cases, remains a formidable challenge due to its aggressive nature and resistance to
conventional treatments. Recent advances in immunotherapy have significantly improved
outcomes, notably in advanced‐stage disease. Immune checkpoint inhibitors—including anti‐
PD-1 agents such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, and anti‐PD-L1 agents such as
atezolizumab and durvalumab—have demonstrated enhanced overall survival. For instance,
pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with high PD-L1 expression has nearly doubled
median overall survival compared to chemotherapy. Combination regimens incorporating
ipilimumab, an anti‐CTLA-4 inhibitor, have further optimized therapeutic responses.
Emerging modalities such as bispecific antibodies harness the potential to simultaneously
engage T-cells and tumor cells, promoting targeted immune activation. Oncolytic virus
therapy, using engineered viruses like talimogene laherparepvec, selectively infects tumor
cells to release antigens that potentiate immune responses. CAR-T cell therapy, although
challenged by the solid tumor microenvironment and T-cell exhaustion, offers a promising
frontier with strategies targeting mesothelin and EGFR mutations. These immunotherapies
face certain challenges including immune evasion and tumor microenvironment barriers.
However, the evolving landscape of NSCLC immunotherapy underscores the critical role of
precision oncology in tailoring treatment strategies, enhancing patient outcomes and quality
of life.
