Circulating tumour cell PD-L1 test for head and neck cancers. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kulasinghe, Arutha; Kenny, Liz; Punyadeera, Chamindie
• Is Part Of: Oral oncology. Volume 75(2017)
• Page Start: 6
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Head and neck cancer -- Circulating tumour cells -- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma -- PD-L1 testing; Mouth -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Mouth -- Tumors -- Periodicals; Mouth Diseases -- Periodicals; Mouth Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Bouche -- Cancer -- Périodiques; Bouche -- Tumeurs -- Périodiques; Tumeurs -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.9943105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2017.10.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-8375

Abstract

Highlights: Immunotherapy in head and neck cancer has shown durable responses. The correct patient needs to be given the correct treatment. Tumour PD-L1 positivity ranges significantly. Circulating tumour cells may provide an avenue to non-invasively determine patients likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Abstract: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have gained traction over the last few years in the treatment of metastatic/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Monoclonal antibodies that block the programmed death 1 (PD-1) receptor and its major ligand, PD-L1, have shown durable responses and low toxicity profiles. There are currently no validated predictive biomarkers to select patients likely to respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy to avoid unwanted side effects and to reduce healthcare expenditure. A circulating tumour cell (CTC) PD-L1 assay could be developed as a companion diagnostic tool to potentially predict the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade treatments.