PD-L1 and Immunotherapy in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Malignant Pleural Effusion

Abstract

Immunotherapy has emerged as a potent tool in the treatment of lung cancer, particularly in patients with advanced disease. Multiple drugs are now available which cause an anti-tumor immune response by blocking the interaction between programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand, PD-L1, which is expressed in some tumors. This review explores the role of immunotherapy and the practical implications of testing for PD-L1 in patients with malignant pleural effusion.