
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment option that may extend survival.
Q: What is immunotherapy for lung cancer?
Immunotherapy is a treatment designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. It uses substances made by the body or in a lab to improve or restore immune system function.
Q: How does immunotherapy work in lung cancer?
- It activates immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.
- It targets specific proteins on cancer cells (e.g., PD-1, PD-L1).
- It may include checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, or vaccines.
Q: What are the benefits of immunotherapy?
- Potentially longer survival compared to traditional therapies.
- Can lead to durable responses even after treatment ends.
- May have fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
Q: What do studies say about survival rates?
Study | Year | Median Overall Survival |
---|---|---|
KEYNOTE-189 | 2018 | 16.9 months |
CheckMate 227 | 2019 | 20.2 months |
IMpower150 | 2019 | 19.2 months |
Q: Are there side effects?
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Respiratory issues
- Autoimmune reactions
Q: Who is a candidate for immunotherapy?
- Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Those who have not responded to or progressed on chemotherapy.
- Patients whose tumors express certain biomarkers (e.g., PD-L1 expression).
Q: What is the future of immunotherapy in lung cancer?
Ongoing research aims to understand which patients benefit the most, to combine therapies for better outcomes, and to discover new potential targets.
Survival Analysis Mind Map:
- Immunotherapy
- Mechanism of Action
- Types
- Checkpoint Inhibitors
- CAR T-Cells
- Vaccines
- Eligibility
- Clinical Trials
- Findings
- Future Directions


