Cellular Therapy in NSCLC: Between Myth and Reality

Abstract

Purpose of Review In this paper, we review the current state and modalities of adoptive cell therapies (ACT) in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We also discuss the challenges hampering the use of ACT and the approaches to overcome these barriers. Recent Findings Several trials are ongoing investigating the three main modalities of T cell-based ACT: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), genetically engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. The latter, in particular, has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, the efficacy against solid tumor is still sparse. Major limitations include the following: severe toxicities, restricted infiltration and activation within the tumors, antigen escape and heterogeneity, and manufacturing issues. Summary ACT is a promising tool to improve the outcome of metastatic NSCLC, but significant translational and clinical research is needed to improve its application and expand the use in NSCLC.

Future Perspectives in the Second Line Therapeutic Setting for Non-Oncogene Addicted Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

“…TCR-engineered T-cell therapy also seems promising. Nowadays, most of these T-cells are engineered to recognize only one antigen and most clinical trials in NSCLC are targeting cancer-germline antigens, showing good tolerability but modest efficacy [104].…”