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Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
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Combined approach for predicting the efficacy of nivolumab in head and neck carcinoma by tissue and soluble
Ryosuke Sato1, Hiroki Komatsuda1, Takahiro Inoue1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.
Head & Neck
|April 26, 2024
Summary
Predictive biomarkers for nivolumab in head and neck cancer are not established. Dual programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and PD-L2 expression, in tissue or soluble form, shows promise for patient selection.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Predictive biomarkers for nivolumab efficacy in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RMHNSCC) remain undefined.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers is crucial for optimizing immunotherapy in RMHNSCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and PD-L2 as predictive biomarkers for nivolumab treatment in RMHNSCC.
- To assess both tissue and soluble forms of PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of tumor proportion score (TPS) and combined positive score (CPS) for PD-L1 and PD-L2.
- Evaluation of soluble PD-L1 and PD-L2 levels in patients with RMHNSCC treated with nivolumab.
Main Results:
- High TPS (PD-L1), CPS (PD-L1), and CPS (PD-L1 and PD-L2) correlated with prolonged progression-free survival.
- High CPS (PD-L1 and PD-L2) and low soluble PD-L1/PD-L2 levels were associated with favorable overall survival.
- Tissue and soluble PD-L1/2 expression levels were not correlated.
Conclusions:
- Dual expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2, in either tissue or soluble form, may serve as feasible biomarkers for nivolumab therapy in RMHNSCC.
- Combined PD-L1 and PD-L2 assessment offers potential advantages over PD-L1 alone for predicting treatment response.

