PD-L1 expression in the microenvironment and the response to checkpoint inhibitors in head and neck squamous cell
D Evrard1, M Hourseau2, A Couvelard2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Bichat Hospital, Paris, France.
Abstract:
In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), data from studies using checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies that target programmed death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) demonstrated outstanding clinical activity. Translational investigations also suggested some correlations between therapeutic response and PD-L1 expression in tumor tissue. We comprehensively summarize results that have evaluated PD-L1 expression in HNSCC. We discuss flaws and strength of current PD-1/PD-L1 detection, quantification methods and the evaluation of PD-L1 as a prognostic and theragnostic biomarker. Understanding tumor microenvironment may help understanding resistance to checkpoint inhibitors, designing clinical trials that can exploit drug combinations.
Insights
Checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed death 1 (PD-1) show promise in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) expression correlates with treatment response, aiding biomarker evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment has been advanced by checkpoint inhibitors.
- Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 are key targets in cancer immunotherapy.
- PD-L1 expression in tumors is being investigated for its role in therapeutic response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review studies evaluating PD-L1 expression in HNSCC.
- To discuss the strengths and weaknesses of current PD-1/PD-L1 detection and quantification methods.
- To evaluate PD-L1 as a prognostic and theragnostic biomarker in HNSCC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PD-L1 expression in HNSCC.
- Analysis of translational investigations correlating PD-L1 levels with clinical activity of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
- Discussion of detection and quantification methodologies for PD-L1.
Main Results:
- Checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have demonstrated significant clinical activity in HNSCC.
- Translational studies suggest a correlation between PD-L1 expression and therapeutic response.
- Current methods for PD-L1 assessment have both limitations and strengths.
Conclusions:
- PD-L1 expression is a relevant factor in HNSCC immunotherapy response.
- Further understanding of the tumor microenvironment is crucial for overcoming resistance to checkpoint inhibitors.
- Optimizing PD-L1 evaluation and exploring drug combinations are key for future clinical trial design.
