PD-L1 status on circulating tumor cells: a promising predictor in advanced lung cancer with PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tumor heterogeneity and invasive sampling limit traditional tissue-based PD-L1 testing in advanced lung cancer. We explored a non-invasive alternative by assessing PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTC PD-L1) via liquid biopsy to predict immunotherapy outcomes.

Methods

Fifty-two advanced lung cancer patients were recruited, and 38 individuals received a combination of chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy, with serial blood samples (baseline, during treatment, and at progression) analyzed using the LiquidBiopsy^™ platform and CTC PD-L1 assay. Primary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

CTC PD-L1 was identified on special phenotype with a ratio of C

SUBMITTER: Wei X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12947329 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature