Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Pathophysiology and medical treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is 1 of 2 main types of lung cancer. It develops from epithelial cells that line the lung airways and sacs, some of which produce mucus that lubricates and protects the lung. Cancer cells use a variety of ways to avoid the body’s natural defense—the immune system—to continue to grow, invade, and spread. In various types of NSCLC, molecular interactions between PD-1 on our immune system’s T-cells and PD-L1 on cancer cells drive whether or not the body’s immune system will attack a cancer cell. This program will look at the cellular underpinnings of NSCLC, as well as agents—known as checkpoint inhibitors—that target PD-1 or PD-L1 for improved management of this condition.