T-cell immunohistochemistry, immunologic markers, T-cell receptor clonality, and somatic mutational burden are all promising approaches for treating lung cancer, according to a recent review.

Clinical trials have reported positive results using programmed cell death-1 protein receptor (PD-1)/programmed cell death-1 protein ligand (PD-L1) blockade as monotherapy, as well as in combination with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 protein blockade.

Clinical benefit has not been seen in all patients, making it a priority to identify the best biomarkers for patient selection, which would help optimize and personalize immunotherapy.

PD-L1’s use as a biomarker has been complicated because it is influenced by the dynamic tumor microenvironment. Thus, researchers are uncertain whether PD-L1 expression is an ideal marker for patient selection.

Citation: Chae Y, Pan A, Davis A, et al. Biomarkers for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy in non-small-cell lung cancer: Is PD-L1 expression a good marker for patient selection? [Published online ahead of print April 6, 2016]. Clin Lung Cancer. doi:10.1016/j.cllc.2016.03.011.