Systemic and Radiation Therapy Approaches for Locally Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

The treatment for locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer has changed dramatically over the past several years, with consolidative immunotherapy after concurrent chemoradiation becoming the new standard of care. Five-year survival outcomes have substantially improved with this approach. Despite these advances, further improvements are needed as the majority of patients ultimately develop progression of disease. The next-generation immunotherapy trials are currently being conducted that include approaches such as concurrent immunotherapy and addition of other therapeutic agents in the concurrent and consolidative settings. Specific unmet needs continue to exist for patients who develop disease progression after concurrent chemoradiation and immunotherapy, as well as defining the best treatment for patients with driver mutations. Future directions also include refinement of radiation techniques to reduce toxicities as much as possible, as well as the use of circulating tumor DNA in the surveillance setting. The current scientific landscape shows promising approaches that may further improve outcomes for patients with locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer.