PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Incorporating Care Step Pathways for Effective Side-Effect Management

Programmed cell death protein 1 receptor and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors are immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that provide a survival benefit for select patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab are second-line therapies for advanced NSCLC after chemotherapy failure. Pembrolizumab and atezolizumab are also approved as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC, and durvalumab is a PD-L1 inhibitor indicated as consolidation therapy in individuals with locally advanced NSCLC. The novel mechanism of action of these agents provides clear efficacy benefits to many NSCLC patients without good alternatives, but it may also result in unique immune-related adverse events that many health-care providers are unfamiliar with or uncertain about how to diagnosis and manage. Highlighting the resources of the Immuno-Oncology Essentials Initiative, particularly the Care Step Pathways (CSPs), this article addresses the role of the advanced practice provider in administration, side-effect identification and management, and education of patients with advanced NSCLC receiving ICI therapy. The diagnosis and management of pneumonitis, hypophysitis, diabetes mellitus, and arthralgias/myalgias are examined in detail, addressing special considerations in the NSCLC population.