Integrating Immunotherapy for NSCLC

The emergence of checkpoint inhibitors (CTLA4, PD1, PD-L1) has reawakened an interest in immunotherapy to treat various malignancies. New agents have rapidly been approved for use in melanoma, bladder cancer, renal cell, lung cancer, and other malignancies. These agents have a unique toxicity profile requiring careful clinical assessment, rapid intervention, and aggressive management of side effects.

This activity will provide a general overview of immunotherapy in cancer treatment, with a special focus on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Challenges of biomarker interpretation and use will also be addressed. Clinical data regarding 3 currently FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors will be presented and discussed.

Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to demonstrate the ability to:

Incorporate treatment pathways and quality measures to ensure patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receive guideline-consistent care

Evaluate the sequential and combination administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors to optimize survival in patients with NSCLC

Discuss current recommendations for diagnostic testing to facilitate treatment selection of patients with NSCLC

Assess the safety and efficacy of currently approved and emerging agents for primary and subsequent management of advanced NSCLC with attention to cost/benefit and toxicity considerations

Evaluate communication strategies and resources to increase patient access and engagement