Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases: Clinical Challenges and Future Directions

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Although brain metastasis is a common and serious complication in lung cancers, current therapies with surgery, radiation, and traditional systemic agents are insufficient. Recently, immunotherapy has been shown to be effective against brain metastases in lung cancers, paving the way for a newer generation of systemic therapies. This review attempts to summarize our current understanding of immunotherapy in lung cancer brain metastases and explores future directions for research. ABSTRACT: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment landscape for patients with non-small cell lung cancers. Existing treatment paradigms for brain metastases in lung cancer patients leave patients with adverse neurocognitive function, poor quality of life, and dismal prognosis, thus highlighting the need to develop more effective systemic therapies. Although data are limited, emerging knowledge suggests promising activity and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer patients. This review aims to summarize the current data, highlight the challenges of incorporating immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating these patients, and identify areas for future research.