PD-L1 expression in the microenvironment and the response to checkpoint inhibitors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. (1st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Evrard, D.; Hourseau, M.; Couvelard, A.; Paradis, V.; Gauthier, H.; Raymond, E.; Halimi, C.; Barry, B.; Faivre, S.
• Is Part Of: Oncoimmunology. Volume 9:Number 1(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01-01
• Subjects: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma -- immune checkpoint inhibitors -- anti-PD-1/PD-L1 -- biomarkers -- tumor microenvironment; Tumors -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- therapy -- Periodicals; Immunotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2020.1844403
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2162-402X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), data from studies using checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies that target programmed death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) demonstrated outstanding clinical activity. Translational investigations also suggested some correlations between therapeutic response and PD-L1 expression in tumor tissue. We comprehensively summarize results that have evaluated PD-L1 expression in HNSCC. We discuss flaws and strength of current PD-1/PD-L1 detection, quantification methods and the evaluation of PD-L1 as a prognostic and theragnostic biomarker. Understanding tumor microenvironment may help understanding resistance to checkpoint inhibitors, designing clinical trials that can exploit drug combinations.