Biomarkers for immune therapy in melanoma

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have dramatically transformed melanoma treatment options. However, intrinsic and acquired resistance remain fundamental limitations to extending the benefits to all patients. Understanding molecular and clinical features that correlate with response to treatment (biomarkers) may unravel therapeutic resistance, assist in treatment decision-making, and facilitate drug development. An intensive effort to characterize these biomarkers is underway. Herein, we highlight promising molecular biomarkers involving the tumor microenvironment, host immune response, and microbiome. We particularly focus on anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy but will also briefly cover anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and novel combination therapies.

EZH2 is a potential prognostic predictor of glioma

“…Immunotherapy, including therapeutic vaccines and engineered T cells based on tumour-immune cell interactions and checkpoint blockers, has been a focus of many recent strategies for treating glioma and other cancers. [7][8][9][10][11] Therefore, we assessed the expression of immune checkpoint genes and marker genes from TILs. In…”

“…renal cancer and bladder cancer. [7][8][9][10][11] Checkpoint inhibitors, including programmed death-ligand 1 and programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors, have emerged as potential therapeutic options for low grade glioma (LGG) and GBM. 12 Furthermore, the tumour mutational burden (TMB) has been reported as an independent prognostic factor for glioma.…”

“…Immune therapies with immuno-checkpoint blocking monoclonal antibodies, cell therapy, DNA vaccine or small molecule inhibitors have shown clinical efficacy in a number of tumour types, including glioma, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cancer and bladder cancer. [7][8][9][10][11] Checkpoint inhibitors, including programmed death-ligand 1 and programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors, have emerged as potential therapeutic options for low grade glioma (LGG) and GBM. 12 Furthermore, the tumour mutational burden (TMB) has been reported as an independent prognostic factor for glioma.…”

Site-Specific Immuno-PET Tracer to Image PD-L1

“…1,3 Yet, heterogeneous outcomes in clinical responses, frequent toxicity, and adverse effects necessitate the development of new methods for the prognosis and monitoring of patient responses. 1,2,[4][5][6][7][8] A noninvasive strategy to comprehensively monitor the expression of immune checkpoint proteins may help elucidate their roles in immunotherapeutic responses and potentially be useful in patient selection and treatment monitoring. 4,[9][10][11][12][13] Molecular imaging, especially positron emission tomography using antibodies conjugated with radionuclides (immuno-PET), allows for accurate and noninvasive evaluation of target levels.…”