Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Genitourinary Cancers: Treatment Indications, Investigational Approaches and Biomarkers

Brian W Labadie; Arjun V Balar; Jason J Luke

doi:10.3390/cancers13215415

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Genitourinary Cancers: Treatment Indications, Investigational Approaches and Biomarkers

Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 28;13(21):5415. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215415.

Authors

Brian W Labadie¹, Arjun V Balar², Jason J Luke³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
² Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health and New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA.
³ UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.

Abstract

Cancers of the genitourinary (GU) tract are common malignancies in both men and women and are a major source of morbidity and mortality. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting CTLA-4, PD-1 or PD-L1 have provided clinical benefit, particularly in renal cell and urothelial carcinoma, and have been incorporated into standard of care treatment in both localized and metastatic settings. However, a large fraction of patients do not derive benefit. Identification of patient and tumor-derived factors which associate with response have led to insights into mechanisms of response and resistance to ICI. Herein, we review current approvals and clinical development of ICI in GU malignancies and discuss exploratory biomarkers which aid in personalized treatment selection.

Keywords: bladder cancer; genitourinary cancer; immune checkpoint inhibitors; immunotherapy; kidney; prostate; testicular.

Publication types

Review