Abstract
Based on understanding the sequence of regulation mechanisms that influence the activity of the immune system, immunotherapy has become a realistic therapeutic possibility for tumours. Monoclonal antibodies blocking CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) and PD-1 receptor (programmed cell death protein) and its ligand PD-L1, which are targeted at these regulation mechanisms, have showed clinical efficacy.
In 2015 the FDA approved the anti PD-1 antibody nivolumab for use in 2nd line of treatment of squamous and non-squamous NSCLC (non-small cell lung carcinoma) and pembrolizumab for 2nd line treatment of PD-L1 positive NSCLC.