PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite aggressive treatment based on definitive 
chemoradiotherapy, 5-year overall survival in unresectable stage III nonsmall 
cell lung cancer remains poor (15-20%). The novel immunotherapy based on immune 
checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) presents as the therapeutic 'Holly Grail' in lung 
cancer treatment.
RECENT FINDINGS: Preclinical models provide evidence of 
immunotherapy-radiotherapy (IM-RT) synergy. The exposure to ionizing radiation 
turns tumor in an in-situ vaccine, primes the innate immune system, increases 
immunotherapy efficacy by overcoming the immunosuppressive microenvironment of 
immune-resistant tumors and promotes a systemic, out-of-field antitumor 
T-cell-mediated response called abscopal effect. The immunomodulatory and 
abscopal effects of radiotherapy can be further enhanced by combining with 
systemic immunotherapies. The phase III START trial proved that liposomal 
vaccine - tecemotide (L-BLP25) administered as maintenance therapy after 
concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in LA-NSCLC prolongs survival. In the phase 
III PACIFIC trial consolidation with durvalumab, an anti-PDL-1 antibody, was 
associated with survival benefit in patients diagnosed with LA-NSCLC who 
responded to concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
SUMMARY: PACIFIC trial results are expected to definitely establish durvalumab 
as standard consolidation strategy in LA-NSCLC. Many clinical trials are ongoing 
in the field of immunoradiotherapy in LA-NSCLC to define the optimal conditions 
for this therapeutic combination.