The Evolving Role of Immunotherapy in Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

The management of Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is complex and requires multidisciplinary input. Since the publication of the PACIFIC trial (consolidative durvalumab post concurrent chemotherapy and radiation in Stage III disease) which showed improved survival for patients in the immunotherapy arm, there has been much interest in the use of immunotherapy in the Stage III setting. In this review, we explore the biologic and clinical rationale for the use of immunotherapy in Stage III NSCLC, present previously published and upcoming data in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and concurrent realms of Stage III management, and discuss unanswered questions and challenges moving forward.

Immunotherapy in Thoracic Malignancies: New Treatment and New Hope

“…Perdrizet and Cheema [ 6 ] review the use of immunotherapy for patients with Stage III NSCLC. The use of durvalumab as consolidative therapy after chemotherapy and radiation in unresectable stage III has now become a standard of care globally.…”