PD-L1 Expression on Circulating Tumor Cells May Be Predictive of Response to Pembrolizumab in Advanced Melanoma: Results from a Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

PD-1 inhibitors are routinely used for the treatment of advanced melanoma. This study sought to determine whether PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can serve as a predictive biomarker of clinical benefit and response to treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from patients with metastatic melanoma receiving pembrolizumab, prior to treatment and 6-12 weeks after initiation of therapy. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to identify CTCs and evaluate the expression of PD-L1.

Results

CTCs were detected in 25 of 40 patients (63%). Patients with detectable PD-L1⁺ CTCs (14/25, 64%) had significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) compared with patients with PD-L1^- CTC

SUBMITTER: Khattak MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7066715 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature