Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Publisher



Sharif PM^{1, 2} ; Keshavarzfathi M^{1, 2} ; Rezaei N^{3, 4, 5}
Source: Cancer Immunology: Bench to Bedside Immunotherapy of Cancers# Second Edition Published:2020

Abstract

Since the approval of the first immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for the treatment of melanoma in 2011, this class of agents has undergone various trials and the outcomes have been promising for some patients. However, because of their side effects, limited overall results, and high financial costs, efforts have been made to establish indications so ICIs can be prescribed only for eligible patients. This chapter will review some of the more accepted biomarkers that can differentiate responders to ICIs from the others. Such biomarkers are obtained via different methods, including staining and genomic analysis of tissue biopsies, blood samples, and sometimes stool samples. However, it should be remembered that these biomarkers are not absolute tools for categorizing patients, and presence and/or absence of them in other patients does not always mean that those will not benefit from ICIs. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2015, 2021. All rights reserved.