Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
Automated Multiplex Immunofluorescence Panel for Immuno-oncology Studies on Formalin-fixed Carcinoma Tissue Specimens
Published on: January 21, 2019
The Value of Biomarkers in Optimizing the Use of Immuno-oncologic Therapy
Carlos G Ferreira1, Andrea Nicolini2, Liliana Dalurzo3
1Oncoclínicas Institute for Research, Innovation and Education, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil.
Abstract:
The development of therapies that restore or activate the host immune response - the socalled "immuno-oncologic" therapy - has improved the survival of some cancer patients harboring specific tumor types. These drugs, however, are very expensive which has greatly limited their use and consequently reduced the number of patients who could likely benefit. Not to mention, the proportion of patients who display a clinical benefit from therapy is limited. Thus, from a clinical and health economics perspective, there is a pressing need to identify and treat those patients for whom a given immuno- oncologic therapy is most likely to be beneficial. At this end, the identification, validation and use of biomarkers emerge as an important therapeutic tool. Here, we briefly review the state of immunologic biomarker development and utilization and make suggestions for interested clinicians, health policy makers and other stakeholders to prepare for the broader use of biomarkers associated with immuno-oncologic therapy in routine practice. The biomarker field is clearly in its earliest stages and there is no doubt that continued research will identify new biomarkers with valuable clinical indications. Of course, the clinical utility of a biomarker must consider patient preferences and perspectives. In addition, health economic analyses are crucial to better define the value of immunotherapy based on precision medicine strategies and promote value-based pricing.
Insights
Immuno-oncologic therapies improve cancer survival but are costly and benefit limited patients. Identifying biomarkers is crucial for precision medicine, ensuring these valuable treatments reach the right patients for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Immuno-oncologic therapies offer survival benefits for specific cancer types.
- High costs and limited patient response restrict the use of these advanced treatments.
- There's a critical need for clinical and health economic strategies to optimize therapy selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of immunologic biomarker development and application.
- To provide guidance for clinicians, policymakers, and stakeholders on integrating biomarkers into routine practice.
- To emphasize the importance of biomarkers in precision medicine for immuno-oncologic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on immunologic biomarkers in oncology.
- Analysis of clinical utility and health economic considerations for biomarker implementation.
- Discussion of future directions and challenges in biomarker research and application.
Main Results:
- Biomarkers are essential tools for identifying patients likely to benefit from immuno-oncologic therapy.
- The field of immunologic biomarkers is nascent, with ongoing research expected to yield new clinical indicators.
- Clinical utility must incorporate patient preferences and perspectives alongside scientific validation.
Conclusions:
- Biomarker identification, validation, and use are critical for the effective and economical application of immuno-oncologic therapies.
- Continued research is vital for discovering novel biomarkers and refining precision medicine approaches.
- Health economic analyses are necessary to establish the value of biomarker-guided immunotherapy and support value-based pricing.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:59Gene Therapy
00:48Optimal Foraging
01:26Optimization Problems
01:26Group Therapy
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:22Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...