Advances in the Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Focus on Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, and Atezolizumab

BioDrugs. 2016 Oct;30(5):397-405. doi: 10.1007/s40259-016-0187-0.

Abstract

Immunotherapy is revolutionizing the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies, are being introduced to routine clinical practice. This review summarizes clinical trials of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab in patients with NSCLC. These agents have efficacy against NSCLC and a unique toxicity profile. The role of PD-L1 as a predictive biomarker is still unclear, partially because of the nuances of PD-L1 testing. These novel therapies also challenge our existing methodologies of radiologic assessment and efficacy analysis. This new era of immunotherapy has ushered in as much hope for patients as questions from physicians that need to be answered to clarify the optimal use of these agents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • B7-H1 Antigen / analysis
  • B7-H1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Nivolumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CD274 protein, human
  • Nivolumab
  • atezolizumab
  • pembrolizumab