Success of PD-1 Blockade as Melanoma Therapy Predicted by Evidence of Prior Immune Response

CD8⁺ T cells in the tumor suggest a primordial tumor response that was annulled by PD-1/PD-L1 interaction.

In the past 2 years, there has been tremendous excitement about immune checkpoint therapies for melanoma and, potentially, other cancers in the future. Unlike molecular therapies based on BRAF genotype, the success of this approach is unpredictable, as little is known about markers of response to nivolumab and pembrolizumab. Authors of a recent study identified the presence of CD8⁺ T cells as a crucial indicator of response.

Samples from 46 patients whose metastatic melanoma was treated with pembrolizumab showed evidence of CD8⁺ cell proliferation accompanied by tumor shrinkage during treatment compared to baseline in tumors that responded to treatment. Pembrolizumab targets the programmed death receptor (PD-1). Samples from responding patie…

Reviewing Author

Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD

Disclosures

Consultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical

EquityLubax

Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal

Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)