The Evolving Landscape of Biomarkers for Anti-PD-1 or Anti-PD-L1 Therapy

• Main Authors: Antje Tunger, Ulrich Sommer, Rebekka Wehner, Anne Sophie Kubasch, Marc-Oliver Grimm, Michael Philipp Bachmann, Uwe Platzbecker, Martin Bornhäuser, Gustavo Baretton, Marc Schmitz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-09-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical Medicine
• Subjects: cancer immunotherapy; immune monitoring; immune checkpoints; programmed cell death protein 1; programmed cell death 1 ligand 1
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/10/1534

The administration of antibodies blocking the immune checkpoint molecules programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) has evolved as a very promising treatment option for cancer patients. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition has significantly enhanced expansion, cytokine secretion, and cytotoxic activity of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes, resulting in enhanced antitumor responses. Anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 therapy has induced tumor regression and improved clinical outcome in patients with different tumor entities, including melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. These findings led to the approval of various anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies for the treatment of tumor patients. However, the majority of patients have failed to respond to this treatment modality. Comprehensive immune monitoring of clinical trials led to the identification of potential biomarkers distinguishing between responders and non-responders, the discovery of modes of treatment resistance, and the design of improved immunotherapeutic strategies. In this review article, we summarize the evolving landscape of biomarkers for anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 therapy.