Immune checkpoint inhibitors and small cell lung cancer: what's new?

ABSTRACT: Despite extensive research no meaningful progress in systemic treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been made in the past decades. Earlier attempts with immunotherapy including interferon and vaccination approaches had limited success. High mutational load, smoking history and potentially also the frequent presence of paraneoplastic phenomena-indicating an activated immune system-represent a rationale for a benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors in SCLC. However, the likelihood of response is diminished due to poor T-cell activation resulting from low expression of MHC class I antigens, low amounts of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and low PD-L1 expression rates. Recently, early reports from studies with checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results with the potenti

SUBMITTER: Schmid S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5994505 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature