Genomic correlates of response to immune checkpoint blockade

TE Keenan, KP Burke, EM Van Allen - Nature medicine, 2019 - nature.com
TE Keenan, KP Burke, EM Van Allen
Nature medicine, 2019nature.com
Despite impressive durable responses, immune checkpoint inhibitors do not provide a long-
term benefit to the majority of patients with cancer. Understanding genomic correlates of
response and resistance to checkpoint blockade may enhance benefits for patients with
cancer by elucidating biomarkers for patient stratification and resistance mechanisms for
therapeutic targeting. Here we review emerging genomic markers of checkpoint blockade
response, including those related to neoantigens, antigen presentation, DNA repair, and …
Abstract
Despite impressive durable responses, immune checkpoint inhibitors do not provide a long-term benefit to the majority of patients with cancer. Understanding genomic correlates of response and resistance to checkpoint blockade may enhance benefits for patients with cancer by elucidating biomarkers for patient stratification and resistance mechanisms for therapeutic targeting. Here we review emerging genomic markers of checkpoint blockade response, including those related to neoantigens, antigen presentation, DNA repair, and oncogenic pathways. Compelling evidence also points to a role for T cell functionality, checkpoint regulators, chromatin modifiers, and copy-number alterations in mediating selective response to immune checkpoint blockade. Ultimately, efforts to contextualize genomic correlates of response into the larger understanding of tumor immune biology will build a foundation for the development of novel biomarkers and therapies to overcome resistance to checkpoint blockade.
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