About this Research Topic

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a predominant cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a transformative therapeutic approach, offering renewed hope by reactivating the immune system to target and eliminate tumor cells. Despite the promising advancements in patient outcomes, the application of ICIs in NSCLC is fraught with challenges, including inconsistent efficacy across patient populations, intricate resistance mechanisms, and treatment-associated toxicities. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of ICIs to significantly improve survival rates, yet the variability in patient responses underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms. Addressing these challenges through comprehensive clinical and basic research is essential for optimizing ICI therapy and enhancing patient survival. However, there remains a critical gap in knowledge regarding the precise mechanisms of action, reliable biomarkers for predicting response, and the complex interactions between ICIs and the tumor immune microenvironment, necessitating further investigation.

This research topic aims to compile the latest research findings and perspectives on the multifaceted application and mechanisms of ICIs in NSCLC, fostering academic and clinical advancements. The primary objectives include elucidating the mechanisms of action of ICIs, identifying reliable biomarkers, and exploring their interactions with the tumor immune microenvironment and microbiota. By addressing these key areas, the research seeks to optimize the use of ICIs, improve patient outcomes, and advance the field of NSCLC immunotherapy. Specific questions include understanding the biological pathways involved in ICI efficacy, resistance mechanisms, and the potential for combination therapies to enhance treatment outcomes.

To gather further insights into the complex landscape of ICI therapy in NSCLC, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Efficacy Evaluation: Clinical trial data, real-world evidence, and comparative studies of different ICIs.
- Specific Populations: Efficacy and safety in elderly patients, smokers, and diverse racial and gender groups.
- Mechanisms of Action: Detailed studies on the biological mechanisms of PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4 pathways, and others.
- Resistance Mechanisms: Molecular bases of resistance and strategies to overcome it.
- Innate and Adaptive Immune Cells: Roles of NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and B cells in ICI therapy.
- Biomarkers: Identification and validation of biomarkers for predicting ICI response and resistance.
- Microbiota: The relationship between microbiota and ICI efficacy/toxicity.
- Tumor Immune Microenvironment: Interactions and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment in response to ICIs.
- Combination Therapies: Efficacy and mechanisms of ICIs combined with other treatments.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Immunotherapy, Drug Resistance, Acquired Resistance, Biomarkers, Microbiota Combination Therapy, Tumor Immune Microenvironment, Microenvironment Remodeling, Innate Immune Cells, Adaptive Immune Cell

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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