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Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Published in: Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 1/2018

01-01-2018 | Original Article

Immunotherapy for thoracic malignancies

Authors: Jordan Dozier, Navin Chintala, Prasad Adusumilli

Published in: Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery | Special Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Purpose

Historically, thoracic malignancies, such as non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma, have been marked by poor prognosis. Current standard of care for these diseases results in limited improvements in survival benefit. This has prompted researchers to explore new and innovative treatment alternatives. Immunotherapy is an emerging therapeutic modality that harnesses the power of the human immune system against cancer cells. Herein, we summarize the concepts and current status of immunotherapy for the treatment of thoracic malignancies.

Methods

Using ClinicalTrials.​gov, we conducted a literature review using the terms “immunotherapy” and “immune therapy,” and combined them with the conditions “pleural mesothelioma” and “carcinoma, non-small cell lung.” The search results yielded 452 trials, among which 122 trials met our specific criteria.

Results

Our search identified immune checkpoint blockade, immunotoxin therapy, anticancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapy as the most common and relevant immunotherapies that are currently being assessed in clinical trials.

Conclusion

We have highlighted the successes, as well as the limitations, of immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. We have identified early phase clinical trials that assess immunotherapy as first-line, second-line, and maintenance therapy, and compared these drugs as monotherapeutics or in combination with chemotherapy or other types of immunotherapy.
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Metadata
Title
Immunotherapy for thoracic malignancies
Authors
Jordan Dozier
Navin Chintala
Prasad Adusumilli
Publication date
01-01-2018
Publisher
Springer Singapore
Published in
Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery / Issue Special Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 0970-9134
Electronic ISSN: 0973-7723
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-017-0566-2

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