In a recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine , researchers have identified a set of 140 genes that may serve as a predictive tool for enhanced disease-free survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing a combination of immunotherapy and low-dose radiation. This gene signature, discovered through an examination of pretreatment tumor biopsies from a cohort of 60 NSCLC patients, distinguishes tumors that are more likely to respond positively to the combination treatment.
Immunotherapy, a groundbreaking approach that activates the body’s immune system to combat cancer, has demonstrated efficacy in only 20 to 25 percent of patients. The ability to predict patient response becomes crucial, offering hope to those who have exhausted traditional treatment options such as chemotherapy. The research team had previously established that adding low-dose radiation to durvalumab, an immune-boosting drug, enhanced cancer-free survival in the majority of patients.
Comparing gene expression profiles in tumors that reached major pathologic response (MPR) versus those that did not, the researchers identified a specific set of 140 genes associated with enhanced cell growth. Notably, tumors responding to the dual therapy displayed increased activation of genes related to immunity and tissue repair. This gene signature offers promise as a tool for clinicians to identify individuals who would derive maximum benefit from immunotherapy.
The next step for the researchers involves validating their findings in a larger patient study, assessing whether tumors with this aggressive gene signature consistently exhibit a more favorable response to the combination therapy. This discovery marks a significant stride towards personalized treatment strategies in NSCLC, potentially improving outcomes for a subset of patients.