Belagenpumatucel-L for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Introduction: Imnnunotherapy has become a promising approach for the treatment of NSCLC. In order to stimulate the host immune system against tumour antigens, several cancer vaccines have been generated and evaluated. Belagenpumatucel-L is a whole tumour cell vaccine expressing the antisense strand of the TGF-beta 2 gene.Areas covered: The purpose of this article is to review the most relevant findings of clinical trials testing belagenpumatucel-L in advanced NSCLC patients.Expert opinion: Although the Phase III trial investigating belagenpumatucel-L in stage III/IV patients did not meet its primary end point, a survival benefit was observed in several subgroups of patients. Further studies are needed in order to select patients who may benefit from this vaccine.