Purpose of review: Targeting immune checkpoints has led to promising results in metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). By restoring antitumor immunity, these treatments are able to induce prolonged clinical responses. The level of activity and the durability of responses observed in phase I trials has led most companies to launch phases II and III trials whose results are highly expected.
Recent findings: In this review, we present efficacy and toxicity results of the different immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) currently developed in NSCLC and report other checkpoints currently explored. The specific profile of tumor responses and immune-related toxicity observed with immunotherapy will be addressed. Finally, to illustrate the new insights into the development of these drugs, we will give an overview of the different ICIs combination studies evaluated in NSCLC and will discuss the role of programmed cell death-L1 as a potential biomarker.
Summary: This review will address some of the future challenges of ICIs in NSCLC.