Cemiplimab Monotherapy and Five-Year Outcomes in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results and Implications

Panelists discuss how over the last five years, immunotherapy, particularly PD-1 inhibitors, has revolutionized advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, offering promising first-line therapy options. Prior to the EMPOWER-Lung 1 study, PD-1 inhibitors showed improved survival outcomes as monotherapy. Treatment considerations have since evolved to incorporate patient-specific factors, optimizing therapy based on individual characteristics.

Panelists discuss how biomarkers like PD-L1 guide first-line therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with higher expression favoring PD-1 inhibitors. Other factors like performance status and comorbidities also support their use. Post progression, PD-1 inhibitors are often used alone or in combination for subsequent lines of treatment.

Panelists discuss how, at their practices, histology, staging and ECOG performance status guide treatment decisions for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Compared with EMPOWER-Lung 1, these factors remain crucial. Key biomarkers, such as PD-L1 expression, influence PD-1 inhibitor efficacy. In 2025, treatment options are more personalized with emerging therapies.

Panelists discuss how the five-year prognosis for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has improved with PD-1 inhibitors, showing promising overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Cemiplimab’s outcomes align well with other PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, influencing clinical decisions for its use as a first-line treatment.

Panelists discuss how subgroup analyses of the EMPOWER-Lung 1 study assessed the efficacy of pembrolizumab across various patient groups, including those with different PD-L1 expression levels, tumor histology and prior therapies. Results demonstrated consistent survival benefits, highlighting pembrolizumab’s broad clinical applicability in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Panelists discuss how balancing survival benefits with quality of life involves careful monitoring of treatment-related adverse effects. Managing immune-related adverse events in patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors like cemiplimab requires early detection, timely intervention and proactive strategies to minimize impact on outcomes.

Panelists discuss how, cemiplimab, a PD-1 inhibitor, has shown promise as a second-line therapy for advanced NSCLC after progression on prior treatments. Continuing cemiplimab post-progression can enhance survival outcomes by maintaining immune system activation against cancer cells.

Panelists discuss how, as new data on cemiplimab and other checkpoint inhibitors emerge, the treatment pathway for cancers like non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is expected to evolve toward more personalized, targeted approaches. This will enhance survival outcomes, refine patient selection and optimize therapy regimens.