Neoadjuvant treatment in non-small-cell lung cancer-the earlier, the better

Neoadjuvant checkpoint inhibition in resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is safe and high major pathologic response (MPR) and pathologic complete response (pCR) rates can be achieved in combination with chemotherapy. The Checkmate 816 trial gives evidence that pathologic response also leads to EFS benefit. This opens new opportunities in the curative setting but also raises questions: What is the value of adjuvant treatment with checkpoint inhibitors? Or should we treat our patients peri-operatively? Which biomarkers can we use for treatment decisions and monitoring of curative patients? Targeted therapies in the neoadjuvant setting lead to promising response rates and data for EFS and overall survival are eagerly awaited.