Biomarkers for Immunotherapy

Thorac Surg Clin. 2020 May;30(2):207-214. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2020.01.010.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has been approved for several solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer. ICIs have shown unprecedented durable responses and higher response rates than chemotherapy in selected patients. The development of biomarkers that serve as predictors of response is crucial for treatment selection. Evidence suggests that the response to immunotherapy depends on tumor genomics and the interactions with the immune system and the tumor microenvironment. This article reviews the data supporting the use of these biomarkers to optimize patient selection for these therapies and explores biomarkers that are the focus of ongoing research.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Checkpoint inhibitor; Immunotherapy; Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); PD-L1.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Pharmacological / analysis*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Lung Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Patient Selection
  • Pharmacogenomic Testing / methods

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Pharmacological