Radiotherapy and PD-L1 inhibition in metastatic NSCLC

Checkpoint inhibitors have changed outcomes for patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in first line and second line treatment, with improved progression-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life. 1 Hirsch FR Suda K Wiens J Bunn Jr, PA New and emerging targeted treatments in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Lancet. 2016; 388: 1012-1024 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (326) Google Scholar Previous radiotherapy and the clinical activity and toxicity of pembrolizumab in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer: a secondary analysis of the KEYNOTE-001 phase 1 trialOur data suggest that previous treatment with radiotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC results in longer progression-free survival and overall survival with pembrolizumab treatment than that seen in patients who did not have previous radiotherapy, with an acceptable safety profile. Further clinical trials investigating this combination are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy for patients with advanced NSCLC. Full-Text PDF