Targeted next-generation sequencing to assess tumor mutation burden: ready for prime-time in non-small cell lung cancer?

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment strategy has recently evolved with the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Several ICIs have indeed been approved for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic NSCLC on the basis of phase III trials. Two monoclonal antibodies directed to programmed death-1 (PD-1), namely nivolumab (1,2) and pembrolizumab (3), and one antibody directed to programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), namely atezolizumab (4), have shown longer overall survival (OS) than standard chemotherapy in previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC.