Immunotherapy in Oncogene-Addicted NSCLC: Evidence and Therapeutic Approaches

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Date 2025 Jan 25

PMID 39859299

Authors

Lorenzo Foffano

Elisa Bertoli

Martina Bortolot

Sara Torresan

Elisa De Carlo

Brigida Stanzione

Alessandro Del Conte

Fabio Puglisi

Michele Spina

Alessandra Bearz

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The discovery of specific driver mutations has revolutionized the treatment landscape of oncogene-addicted NSCLC through targeted therapies, significantly improving patient outcomes. However, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated limited effectiveness in this context. Emerging evidence, though, reveals significant heterogeneity among different driver mutation subgroups, suggesting that certain patient subsets may benefit from ICIs, particularly when combined with other therapeutic modalities. In this review, we comprehensively examine the current evidence on the efficacy of immunotherapy in oncogene-addicted NSCLC. By analyzing recent clinical trials and preclinical studies, along with an overview of mechanisms that may reduce immunotherapy efficacy, we explored potential strategies to address these challenges, to provide insights that could optimize immunotherapy approaches and integrate them effectively into the treatment algorithm for oncogene-addicted NSCLC.

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