Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are now a therapeutic option for advanced 
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. ICI, such as the PD-1 inhibitors 
nivolumab and pembrolizumab and the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab, have already 
been marketed for the treatment of pretreated patients with advanced NSCLC. 
Other notable PD-L1 inhibitors under development include avelumab and 
durvalumab. Areas covered: This article reviews literature on durvalumab 
development, from the preclinical data to the results of phase III clinical 
trials, whether published or presented at international scientific conferences. 
Ongoing clinical trials were also reviewed. Expert opinion: Early phase trials 
of durvalumab monotherapy (and in combination) have demonstrated activity in 
advanced NSCLC patients and it has demonstrated a good safety profile. The 
authors believe that durvalumab will likely play an important role in future 
treatment strategies for NSCLC. The PACIFIC trial assessing durvalumab after 
standard chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced NSCLC has already met its 
primary endpoint and the potential of durvalumab will be reinforced if phase III 
randomized studies of first-line (MYSTIC trial) and second or subsequent (ARCTIC 
trial) lines of therapy demonstrate superiority over the current standard of 
care.