Based on the findings, nivolumab in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin could serve as a potential neoadjuvant regimen for treating locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated survival benefit in metastatic NSCLC.

• This is a retrospective analysis of patients with locally advanced NSCLC receiving neoadjuvant nivolumab and chemotherapy (paclitaxel with carboplatin) followed by surgery.

• Neoadjuvant therapy was received by overall 46 eligible patients; good tolerability of the treatment was evident with just 7 (15.2%) typical immune-related adverse events (hyperthyroidism, hyperglycemia, and rash) documented.

• Surgical resection was performed in 45 cases, and a R0 resection was achieved in 43 (95.6%) of them.

• A complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease was evident in 2 (4.3%), 26 (56.5%), 17 (37.0%), 6 (26.1%), and 1 (2.2%) patients.

• A major pathological response and a pathological complete response was obtained in 8 (17.4%) and 24 (52.2%) patients, respectively.

• A median follow-up of 15.5 months revealed absence of progression in 27 (60%) of 45 patients who had tumor resection.

• A progression-free survival of 45.8% and overall survival of 79.9% was achieved at 24 months.