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World J Clin Oncol. May 10, 2014; 5(2): 39-47
Published online May 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i2.39
Targeted immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
Monali Vasekar, Xin Liu, Hong Zheng, Chandra P Belani
Monali Vasekar, Xin Liu, Hong Zheng, Chandra P Belani, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
Author contributions: Vasekar M, Liu X, Zheng H and Belani CP designed and wrote the introductory editorial for the paper.
Correspondence to: Chandra P Belani, MD, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, United States. cbelani@hmc.psu.edu
Telephone: +1-717-5311078 Fax: +1-717-5310002
Received: December 31, 2013
Revised: March 5, 2014
Accepted: April 17, 2014
Published online: May 10, 2014
Processing time: 132 Days and 7.7 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-death worldwide. Majority of these patients have non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Traditional chemotherapy is limited by its high toxicity. Emerging data have demonstrated promising outcome of immunotherapy in NSCLC. This review delineated the rationale and potential targets of cancer immunotherapy, with a summary of immunotherapeutic agents for treatment of NSCLC. Protein/peptide-based and cell-based vaccines, as well as immune checkpoint targeted agents such as Ipilimumab and PD-1 pathway inhibitors were discussed. In addition, we reviewed ongoing immunotherapy-based studies including several major phase II/III clinical trials, results of which will be available soon for incorporation into clinical practice.