The independent platform for news, articles and advice for professionals in laboratory medicine

Specific Gene Mutations predict Success of glioblastoma immunotherapy

Testing for specific gene mutations may help to predict the patients with glioblastoma who will respond to immunotherapy, according to new research. The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine also suggest a therapeutic target that could lead to improved immunotherapy in these patients.

Glioblastoma, the most common type of brain cancer, still lacks effective treatment. A type of immunotherapy called immune checkpoint inhibitors — which block the interaction between the PD-L1 protein in cancer cells and PD-1 in immune cells, boosting the anti-cancer response — has had success in diverse tumour types, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In contrast, a Phase 3 trial of PD-1 blockers (NCT02017717) showed effectiveness in only 8% of patients with glioblastoma.

Responses to anti-PD1 therapies are linked to the infiltration of immune cells in the tumour microenvironment in various cancer types. The more cells within a tumour and the area surrounding it, the more likely a patient will respond to these treatments. However, glioblastoma is characterized by higher immunosuppression and a low rate of mutations, both of which are associated with poor responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Upcoming Events

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025