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Monitoring PD-1-Blocking Antibodies Bound to T Cells Derived from a Drop of Peripheral Blood
Published on: February 5, 2020
Biomarkers related to immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy
Na Li1, Xin Hou2, Shaogang Huang3
1School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
Abstract:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy is an emerging cancer treatment. During treatment it is necessary to monitor the patient at all times and respond to any adverse reactions that may occur, such as immune-related adverse events and unconventional reactions. Biomarkers, the biochemical indicators that mark changes in the structure or function of systems, organs, tissues, and cells, may be used to predict and design treatment for such reactions. Anti-tumor immunotherapy biomarkers can be derived from the tumors themselves (e.g. negative regulatory molecules and dynamic changes in genome sequence) or from the immune system (e.g. peripheral blood cell population counts, various cytokines, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and intestinal microbes). The development of biomarkers is important for monitoring the effect of treatment, assessing the patient's response to ICIs, determining adverse reactions, and predicting the direction of disease development. In addition, organ toxicity and systemic events also have an impact on the therapeutic effect of ICIs.
Insights
Biomarkers are crucial for monitoring patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy. They help predict and manage adverse events, assess treatment response, and guide future cancer immunotherapy strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy.
- Continuous patient monitoring is essential to manage potential immune-related adverse events and unconventional reactions during ICI treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of biomarkers in predicting and managing adverse events associated with ICI therapy.
- To explore the diverse origins and applications of anti-tumor immunotherapy biomarkers.
- To emphasize the importance of biomarkers in optimizing cancer treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on biomarkers in cancer immunotherapy.
- Identification of various types of biomarkers derived from tumors and the immune system.
- Analysis of the impact of biomarkers on treatment monitoring, response assessment, and adverse event prediction.
Main Results:
- Biomarkers can be sourced from tumor characteristics (e.g., regulatory molecules, genomic changes) or immune system components (e.g., blood cell counts, cytokines, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, gut microbiota).
- These biochemical indicators are vital for tracking treatment efficacy, evaluating patient response to ICIs, and identifying adverse reactions.
- Biomarkers aid in predicting disease progression and understanding the influence of organ toxicity and systemic events on ICI therapy.
Conclusions:
- The development and application of biomarkers are indispensable for personalized cancer immunotherapy using ICIs.
- Biomarkers enable proactive management of treatment-related toxicities and optimization of therapeutic outcomes.
- Further research into novel biomarkers will enhance the precision and effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.
