The role of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a frequent cancer that affects people around the world. Checkpoint inhibitors are the most intensively studied treatment methods at present. Activation of PD-1/PD-L1 is accountable for suppressing the activation, proliferation, and cytotoxic secretion of T cells. By giving PD-1 /PD-L1 inhibitors, an individual's immune system can be boosted to some extent. Nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab have shown to be effective for NSCLC patients in clinical trials. The effectiveness of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combining with SBRT, chemotherapy, or other checkpoint inhibitors to treat NSCLC has also been demonstrated. However, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors also have drawbacks, such as non-specific recognition misses, and immune-related adverse events. This article mainly discusses the role of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the treatment for NSCLC.