Biomarkers and immunotherapy: where are we?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunotherapy
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer treatment, offering improved survival for metastatic disease.
• However, only a subset of patients benefits from ICI therapy, and treatments carry risks of severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
• Numerous factors, including tumor-intrinsic, microenvironment, and systemic elements, influence ICI response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment.
• To highlight the critical need for reliable biomarkers to guide patient selection for ICI therapy.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of recent breakthroughs in predictive biomarker research for ICI.
• Analysis of factors influencing ICI treatment response and toxicity.

Main Results:

• Currently, only Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, tumor microenvironment characteristics, and microsatellite instability are FDA-approved biomarkers for ICI, with limitations.
• Research is exploring a wide array of biomarkers beyond these established ones.

Conclusions:

• Valid predictive biomarkers for ICI sensitivity are essential for optimizing patient treatment strategies.
• Developing robust biomarkers will enhance treatment efficacy and reduce the incidence of life-threatening irAEs.