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Updated: Dec 8, 2025
Multiplexed Immunofluorescence Analysis and Quantification of Intratumoral PD-1+ Tim-3+ CD8+ T Cells
Published on: February 8, 2018
New biomarkers for checkpoint inhibitor therapy
1Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Immune checkpoint inhibitor blockade has vastly changed treatment paradigms and improved outcomes of many solid organ malignancies. The achievements of the last decade have transformed the outcomes of several tumour types, most notably metastatic melanoma. There are, however, still large numbers of patients who receive checkpoint inhibitor therapy and do not respond. In addition to potential lack of efficacy, checkpoint inhibitors also come with a unique and sometimes devastating side-effect profile. There exists a strong need for biomarkers to accurately predict response, improve treatment selection and avoid exposing patients to toxicity where there is minimal likelihood of response. There is a wide range of methodologies investigating predictive biomarkers in this space; in this review, we address the major putative biomarkers of interest. These include conventional serum tests such as lymphocyte indices and lactate dehydrogenase, and more novel research markers such as interleukin-6 and T receptor clonality. We discuss tumorous factors that may be of interest in certain tumour types, and finally gene expression profiling. Significant research continues into many of these potential predictive biomarkers in response to the emergent need to better select patients who will benefit from treatment.
Insights
Predicting patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors is crucial. This review explores biomarkers, from serum tests to gene expression, to improve treatment selection and minimize toxicity for solid organ malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly for metastatic melanoma.
- However, many patients do not respond to ICIs, and these therapies can cause severe side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging biomarkers for predicting patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
- To highlight the need for improved patient selection to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on predictive biomarkers for ICI therapy.
- Discussion of conventional serum tests (e.g., lymphocyte indices, lactate dehydrogenase) and novel research markers (e.g., interleukin-6, T receptor clonality).
- Exploration of tumorous factors and gene expression profiling as potential predictive tools.
Main Results:
- A wide range of methodologies are being investigated for predictive biomarker discovery.
- Both established and novel markers show potential in predicting response to ICI therapy across various solid organ malignancies.
Conclusions:
- Accurate predictive biomarkers are essential for optimizing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy selection.
- Further research into these biomarkers will help personalize treatment and reduce patient exposure to ineffective and toxic therapies.
