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Circulating microRNAs associated with prolonged overall survival in lung cancer patients treated with nivolumab

Ann Rita Halvorsen1, Vandana Sandhu1, Mette Sprauten2

  • 1a Department of Cancer Genetics , Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital , Oslo , Norway.

Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|April 24, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A novel seven microRNA signature in the blood predicts survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with nivolumab. This biomarker discovery could improve treatment selection for NSCLC patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
  • Response rates to ICIs are limited, and patient stratification is needed beyond PD-L1 expression.
  • Alternative biomarkers are crucial for predicting treatment response in NSCLC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify circulating microRNAs as predictive biomarkers for overall survival in NSCLC patients undergoing ICI therapy.
  • To discover a microRNA signature associated with improved survival after nivolumab treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Serum microRNA profiling using next-generation sequencing in 20 NSCLC patients treated with nivolumab.
  • Validation of a microRNA signature using qPCR in an independent cohort of 31 NSCLC patients.
  • Serum samples were collected pre-treatment to identify predictive markers.

Main Results:

  • A signature of seven microRNAs (miR-215-5p, miR-411-3p, miR-493-5p, miR-494-3p, miR-495-3p, miR-548j-5p, miR-93-3p) was identified.
  • This 7-microRNA signature significantly predicted overall survival >6 months in both discovery and validation cohorts.
  • The signature achieved 71% sensitivity and 90% specificity for predicting survival.

Conclusions:

  • A 7-microRNA signature in circulation is associated with survival in NSCLC patients treated with nivolumab.
  • This signature holds potential as a predictive biomarker for NSCLC immunotherapy.
  • Further validation in an independent cohort is required to confirm the clinical utility of this microRNA signature.

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