Biomarkers in immuno-oncology: A review article

Abstract

Immunotherapy is the new addition to the armamentarium against cancer. Role of immune checkpoint inhibitors is proven, but with limitations of benefit in around 20% of the patients. The cost of therapy and to some extent the toxicities are deterrent for generalized use. Biomarker is urgently needed to rationalize the use of immunotherapy. Tumor mutational burden, programmed death-ligand 1 expression, microsatellite instability, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, T-cell repertoire, and various other biomarkers have shown early promise in predicting response and benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Majority of studies are limited by their retrospective nature, small number, and lack of prospective validation in large cohorts. Precision oncology is desired at every level including patients, doctors, and health-care system of a nation. Here, we concisely reviewed literature.