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PD-1 and PD-L1 Expression in Osteosarcoma: Which Specimen to Evaluate?
Sonja Chen1, Lillian M Guenther2, Amanda Aronhalt1
1Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital.
Abstract:
There is a growing interest in immunotherapy in childhood cancers. Osteosarcoma is a compelling potential target as there are few targeted options available for this aggressive cancer. We provide a description of the landscape of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and relevant immune markers in serial samples from 15 osteosarcoma patients. PD-1 and PD-L1 expression was present in biopsy samples (47% and 53%, respectively), absent in resections, and present in metastases (40% and 47%). Both decalcified and nondecalcified specimens demonstrated expression of PD-1 and PD-L1. The results suggest that biopsy or metastatic specimens maybe most valuable in assessing expression of PD-1 and PD-L1.
Insights
Immunotherapy shows promise for osteosarcoma. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and PD-L1 expression is highest in biopsy and metastatic samples, suggesting their value for assessing treatment potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Osteosarcoma is an aggressive childhood cancer with limited targeted therapy options.
- Immunotherapy, particularly targeting immune checkpoints, is a growing area of interest in pediatric oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in osteosarcoma.
- To identify the most suitable sample types for assessing PD-1 and PD-L1 expression in osteosarcoma patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serial samples (biopsies, resections, metastases) from 15 osteosarcoma patients.
- Assessment of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression in both decalcified and nondecalcified specimens.
Main Results:
- PD-1 and PD-L1 expression was detected in 47% and 53% of biopsy samples, respectively.
- Expression was absent in resection samples but present in 40% (PD-1) and 47% (PD-L1) of metastatic samples.
- PD-1 and PD-L1 expression was observed in both decalcified and nondecalcified specimens.
Conclusions:
- Biopsy and metastatic osteosarcoma specimens appear most valuable for assessing PD-1 and PD-L1 expression.
- These findings may guide the selection of appropriate samples for immunotherapy trials in osteosarcoma.
