The biomarkers of hyperprogressive disease in PD-1/PD-L1 blockage therapy

Mol Cancer. 2020 May 2;19(1):81. doi: 10.1186/s12943-020-01200-x.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies (Abs) and anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) Abs, are effective for patients with various cancers. However, low response rates to ICI monotherapies and even hyperprogressive disease (HPD) have limited the clinical application of ICIs. HPD is a novel pattern of progression, with an unexpected and fast progression in tumor volume and rate, poor survival of patients and early fatality. Considering the limitations of ICI due to HPD incidence, valid biomarkers are urgently needed to predict the occurrence of HPD and the efficacy of ICI. Here, we reviewed and summarized the known biomarkers of HPD, including tumor cell biomarkers, tumor microenvironment biomarkers, laboratory biomarkers and clinical indicators, which provide a potential effective approach for selecting patients sensitive to ICI cancer treatments.

Keywords: Biomarker; Hyperprogressive disease; Immunotherapy; PD-1/PD-L1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • B7-H1 Antigen / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Patient Selection*
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CD274 protein, human
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • PDCD1 protein, human
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor