IMMUNOTHERAPY IN ONCOLOGY: PROGRESSION TO FIRST-LINE TREATMENT AND THERAPEUTIC COMBINATIONS

A. Meftah*, K. Elazhary, I. Halloum, D. Souaf, M. Amime, A. Drissi Bourhanbour, J. El Bakkouri and A. Badou

ABSTRACT

Immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach in oncology by leveraging the patient's immune system to specifically target and eliminate tumor cells. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which directly attacks cancer cells, immunotherapy stimulates immune mechanisms to generate a durable and targeted anti-tumor response. Initially introduced as a second-line treatment for patients resistant to standard therapies, it has now been established as a first-line option in several malignancies, including melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This transition is supported by clinical trials demonstrating prolonged survival, reduced recurrence rates, and an improved safety profile compared to traditional treatments. Despite its success, challenges remain, particularly in terms of patient response variability and immune-related adverse events. To enhance treatment efficacy, combination strategies have been explored, integrating immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies. These combinations have shown promising results by improving tumor response rates and overcoming resistance mechanisms. Additionally, emerging strategies such as neoadjuvant immunotherapy and the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with novel agents continue to reshape the therapeutic landscape of oncology. This review provides an overview of the evolution of immunotherapy in oncology, emphasizing its transition to first-line treatment, the benefits of combination approaches, and the challenges that remain in optimizing patient outcomes.

Keywords: Immunotherapy, cancer treatment, immune checkpoint inhibitors, first-line therapy, therapeutic combinations, tumor microenvironment