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PD-L1 expression in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms grade 3
Abir Salwa Ali1, Seppo W Langer2, Birgitte Federspiel3
1Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrine Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract:
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms grade 3 (GEP-NENs G3) are rare tumors. These highly aggressive neoplasms are traditionally treated with platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with etoposide. Immune checkpoint proteins such as programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1) may have a role in different cancers allowing them escape the immune system and hence, progress. We aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in GEP-NEN G3 and evaluate its correlation to clinical parameters. In a cohort of 136 patients, 14 (10%) expressed PD-L1 immunoreactivity; four (3%) patients in the tumor cells and 10 (7%) had immunoreactive immune cells. PD-L1 expression did not correlate to clinical parameters, progression-free survival or overall survival. We conclude that PD-L1 expression is present only in a subset of GEP-NEN G3 patients. Further studies are needed to fully understand the role of PD-L1 in patients with GEP-NEN G3, including the future possibility for treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Insights
Programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1) expression was found in a small subset of aggressive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms grade 3 (GEP-NENs G3). This PD-L1 expression did not correlate with patient outcomes in this study.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms grade 3 (GEP-NENs G3) are rare, highly aggressive tumors.
- Conventional treatment involves platinum-based chemotherapy with etoposide.
- Immune checkpoint proteins, like programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1), can facilitate cancer immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in GEP-NEN G3.
- To evaluate the correlation between PD-L1 expression and clinical parameters, progression-free survival, and overall survival.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of PD-L1 expression using immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 136 GEP-NEN G3 patients.
- Correlation analysis with clinical parameters and survival data.
Main Results:
- PD-L1 immunoreactivity was detected in 14% of patients (10% in immune cells, 3% in tumor cells).
- PD-L1 expression did not show a significant correlation with clinical parameters, progression-free survival, or overall survival.
Conclusions:
- PD-L1 is expressed in a subset of GEP-NEN G3.
- Further research is required to clarify the role of PD-L1 in GEP-NEN G3 and its potential as a target for immune checkpoint inhibitors.
