Comparison of Nivolumab with Docetaxel in the Treatment of Advanced Squamous Cell Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Lung squamous-cell carcinoma poses a significant global health challenge with limited treatment options available. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly nivolumab, have revolutionized cancer therapy, especially in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nivolumab, targeting the PD-1 protein, exhibits promise in treating advanced squamous-cell NSCLC. This article critically examines nivolumab’s development and compares its efficacy with docetaxel in this context. Nivolumab’s effectiveness lies in its ability to block the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint pathway, reinvigorating the immune response against cancer cells. Clinical trials reveal higher overall survival rates and fewer adverse events (AEs) with nivolumab compared to docetaxel, alongside improvements in patient-reported outcomes and mental well-being. However, limitations exist, primarily stemming from clinical trial data’s potential mismatch with real-world scenarios. Short trial durations hinder long-term outcome analysis and delay AE evaluations. Furthermore, the comparison is restricted to nivolumab and docetaxel, overlooking other Food and Drug Administration-approved monoclonal antibodies. Addressing these limitations are crucial for enhancing the utility of these evaluations in clinical decision-making and guiding future research in advanced squamous-cell NSCLC management. Nivolumab emerges as a promising treatment option, offering superior efficacy and safety over traditional chemotherapy, yet its real-world efficacy warrants further exploration.