With positive trials of two immune checkpoint inhibitors, Opdivo (nivolumab) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in second line NSCLC and compared with Taxotere (docetaxel), it should come as a surprise to nobody that another checkpoint inhibitor, Tecentriq (atezolizumab) has also proven superior to Taxotere in the OAK trial of previously treated NSCLC patients, as reported in a press release today.

Dr. Jack West, Swedish Cancer Institute, compares the mechanism of action, efficacy and toxicity of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors.

Dr. Eddie Garon considers the data on immunotherapies for first line treatment of advanced NSCLC and whether we are likely to use these agents instead of or in combination with standard chemotherapy soon.

UCLA Med Center's Dr. Eddie Garon discusses the open question of the optimal duration of ongoing treatment with immunotherapy for lung cancer.

Dr. Eddie Garon reviews the pattern of response to immunotherapy in lung cancer, along with the concept of "pseudoprogression".

As we learn more about immunotherapy for lung cancer, combinations with multiple immunotherapy agents are being explored. Medical oncologist Dr. Eddie Garon considers whether combinations are likely to emerge as the leading immunotherapy approach.

Dr. Jack West summarizes the rationale for testing immune checkpoint inhibitors as a first line treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC and highlights details of two trials testing this question.

Drs. Leora Horn, Ben Solomon, & Jack West assess whether clinical factors such as being a never-smoker or having a driver mutation (EGFR, ALK, etc.) reliably predict minimal benefit from immunotherapy agents.

Dr. Eddie Garon, UCLA, reviews the controversial question of whether PD-L1 expression is a reliable enough biomarker to be used to select patients to receive or not receive immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in lung cancer.

Drs. Leora Horn, Ben Solomon, & Jack West consider the factors that might lead us to favor testing for PD-L1 at initial workup of a patient with advanced NSCLC or after progression.