The Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy are showing promising results in management of Non-small cell lung cancer.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy involves administering chemotherapy drugs before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove. This approach is often used for people with locally advanced lung cancer, which means that the cancer has spread to nearby tissues but has not yet metastasized (spread to other parts of the body). The goal of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to increase the chances of a successful surgery and potentially cure the cancer.
Immunotherapy, on the other hand, is a type of treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. This type of therapy is based on the idea that the immune system can recognize and attack cancer cells, but sometimes it needs help. Immunotherapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy or as a standalone treatment, depending on the patient’s specific needs.
There are different types of immunotherapy that can be used to treat lung cancer, including checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins that cancer cells use to avoid being recognized by the immune system, and cancer vaccines, which help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
The combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy is becoming increasingly popular for treating lung cancer, as research has shown that this approach can lead to better outcomes for patients. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by immunotherapy had higher rates of complete response (no remaining signs of cancer) and improved survival compared to patients who received only chemotherapy.
The CheckMate 816 is a clinical trial that aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the immunotherapy drug nivolumab in combination with the chemotherapy, for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The trial was a Phase III study, which is the final stage of clinical testing before a drug is approved for widespread use. The results of the trial were published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2020 and showed that the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab was associated with significantly improved progression-free survival (the length of time during which the cancer does not worsen) and overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone. These results are considered to be a major step forward in the treatment of NSCLC and support the use of immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy for this disease. The CheckMate 816 trial is an example of how clinical trials are critical for advancing cancer treatments and improving outcomes for patients.
It is important to note that not all patients with lung cancer are candidates for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and the best treatment plan will depend on factors such as the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the availability of clinical trials. Your healthcare team can help you understand your options and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
In conclusion, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy are important options for treating lung cancer and have shown promising results in combination. If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, it is important to discuss all of your treatment options with your healthcare team to determine the best plan for you.
