# Revisiting lung cancer immunotherapy in the era of long COVID: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications

## TL;DR

This paper explores how Long COVID affects the immune system and lung cancer treatment, suggesting new strategies for immunotherapy.

## Contribution

The paper provides novel insights into how Long COVID's immune effects influence lung cancer and may enhance immunotherapy with vaccines.

## Key findings

- Long COVID's chronic inflammation and T-cell exhaustion alter the lung cancer microenvironment.
- Memory B cells and altered neutrophil function may promote tumorigenesis.
- COVID-19 vaccination could improve immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy by modulating host immunity.

## Abstract

In the post-COVID-19 era, understanding the long-term impact of Long COVID on the immune system is essential for deciphering its influence on lung cancer pathogenesis and immunotherapeutic efficacy. This review comprehensively examines how persistent COVID-19 sequelae-manifested as chronic inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis, cytokine dysregulation, and T-cell exhaustion can reshape the lung cancer microenvironment. In addition, the emerging roles of memory B cells and altered neutrophil function in promoting tumorigenesis are discussed. Importantly, we analyze recent clinical evidence suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination may enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, potentially by modulating host immunity. By integrating mechanistic insights with clinical observations, this review aims to illuminate the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of Long COVID and lung cancer treatment, thereby fostering the development of personalized therapeutic strategies in the post-pandemic era.