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Published on: February 5, 2020
Peripheral blood immune cell-based biomarkers in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy
Kyung Hwan Kim1, Chang Gon Kim1, Eui-Cheol Shin1
1Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea.
Abstract:
Immune checkpoint blockade targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 has resulted in unprecedented clinical benefit for cancer patients. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy has become the standard treatment for diverse cancer types as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-cancer therapies, and its indications are expanding. However, many patients do not benefit from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy due to primary and/or acquired resistance, which is a major obstacle to broadening the clinical applicability of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. In addition, hyperprogressive disease, an acceleration of tumor growth following anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, has been proposed as a new response pattern associated with deleterious prognosis. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy can also cause a unique pattern of adverse events termed immune-related adverse events, sometimes leading to treatment discontinuation and fatal outcomes. Investigations have been carried out to predict and monitor treatment outcomes using peripheral blood as an alternative to tissue biopsy. This review summarizes recent studies utilizing peripheral blood immune cells to predict various outcomes in cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
Insights
Predicting cancer treatment outcomes with immune cells in peripheral blood is crucial. This review explores using blood immune cells to forecast responses and adverse events in patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 offer significant clinical benefits in cancer treatment.
- Resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and immune-related adverse events remain significant clinical challenges.
- Hyperprogressive disease is a concerning phenomenon observed in some patients undergoing this therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in utilizing peripheral blood immune cells for predicting outcomes in cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
- To explore the potential of peripheral blood biomarkers as an alternative to tissue biopsies for monitoring treatment response and toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of recent studies investigating peripheral blood immune cell profiles.
- Analysis of studies correlating immune cell populations with treatment response, resistance, and adverse events.
- Evaluation of methodologies for predicting outcomes using non-invasive blood tests.
Main Results:
- Peripheral blood immune cell composition can potentially predict patient responses to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
- Specific immune cell subsets are associated with both efficacy and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade.
- Blood-based immune markers may help anticipate immune-related adverse events and hyperprogressive disease.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral blood immune cells represent a promising avenue for predicting and monitoring anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy outcomes.
- Further research is needed to validate these biomarkers for routine clinical application.
- Non-invasive monitoring using blood biomarkers could optimize patient selection and management in immunotherapy.
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