Immune mechanisms and therapeutic advances in lung cancer: A comprehensive review

Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide, posing a significant threat to public health. While conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can suppress tumor progression to some extent, they are often accompanied by severe side effects and limited long-term efficacy. In recent years, advances in medical technology have led to the emergence of immunotherapy as a promising alternative approach. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews that summarize and integrate the latest developments in this field. This study provides an overview of recent progress in lung cancer immunotherapy by analyzing 200 publications retrieved from the PubMed database, of which 133 were systematically reviewed. The review covers the immunological landscape of lung cancer, including its epidemiology, current treatment strategies, anti-tumor immune mechanisms, and the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapeutic modalities. By highlighting key advances and emerging trends over the past decade, this review aims to offer valuable insights for clinicians and researchers, contributing to the ongoing improvement of lung cancer management and therapeutic outcomes.