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Kim DH, Ahn JS, Kang M, Park G, Lim Y, Hwang S, Ock CY, Koh J, Chung EJ, Kwon SK, Jeon YK, Jung KC, Ahn SH, Keam B. Comparison of Tumor Microenvironments between Primary Tumors and Lymph Node Metastases in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Predictive Role in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment. Cells 2024; 13:1557. [PMID: 39329741 PMCID: PMC11429639 DOI: 10.3390/cells13181557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between tumor microenvironments (TMEs) of regional lymph node metastases (LNMs) and primary tumors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. This study compared tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the immune phenotype (IP), characterized by spatial TIL distribution, between primary tumors and LNMs. Twenty-one HNSCC patients with regional LNM who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were included. A paired comparative analysis of TIL densities and IP between primary tumors and LNMs revealed no significant difference or correlation between TIL densities in primary tumors and LNMs. Their IPs were discordant in 12 patients (57.1%). Patients with high intratumoral TIL exhibited longer progression-free survival (PFS) than those with low intratumoral TIL in both primary tumors (median, 5.2 vs. 1.3 months, p = 0.003) and LNMs (median, 30.2 vs. 1.3 months, p = 0.012). Patients with inflamed IP exhibited longer PFS than those with non-inflamed IP in both primary tumors (median, 4.5 vs. 1.3 months, p = 0.043) and LNMs (median, 4.1 vs. 1.3 months, p = 0.037). Given the lack of correlation in TIL densities, the discrepancies in IP, and the predictive value of both TMEs, evaluating the TMEs of both primary tumors and LNMs may be beneficial for the precise use of ICIs in HNSCC. There was a significant discordance between the TME of primary tumors and LNMs, with implications in survival outcomes. Therefore, evaluating the TME of both the primary tumor and LNM could be beneficial for the precise use of ICIs in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Mingu Kang
- Lunit Inc., Seoul 06241, Republic of Korea
| | - Gahee Park
- Lunit Inc., Seoul 06241, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoojoo Lim
- Lunit Inc., Seoul 06241, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Jiwon Koh
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jae Chung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Keun Kwon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Kyung Jeon
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Cheon Jung
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Hyun Ahn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
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Gavrielatou N, Fortis E, Spathis A, Anastasiou M, Economopoulou P, Foukas GRP, Lelegiannis IM, Rusakiewicz S, Vathiotis I, Aung TN, Tissot S, Kastrinou A, Kotsantis I, Vagia EM, Panayiotides I, Rimm DL, Coukos G, Homicsko K, Foukas P, Psyrri A. B-cell infiltration is associated with survival outcomes following programmed cell death protein 1 inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Ann Oncol 2024; 35:340-350. [PMID: 38159908 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) axis blockade has become the mainstay in the treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is the only approved biomarker for patient selection; however, response rate is limited even among high expressors. Our primary objective was to investigate the association of immune cell-related biomarkers in the tumor and tumor microenvironment with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors' outcomes in patients with R/M HNSCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS NCT03652142 was a prospective study in nivolumab-treated platinum-refractory R/M HNSCC, aiming to evaluate biomarkers of response to treatment. Tumor biopsies and blood samples were collected from 60 patients at baseline, post-treatment, and at progression. Immune cells in the tumor and stromal compartments were quantified by immunofluorescence using a five-protein panel (CD3, CD8, CD20, FoxP3, cytokeratin). Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), PD-L1 expression, and peripheral blood immune cell composition were also evaluated for associations with outcome. Our findings were validated by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) messenger RNA in situ expression data from the same patients, for B-cell- and TLS-associated genes. RESULTS High pre-treatment density of stromal B cells was associated with prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.011). This result was validated by GSEA, as stromal enrichment with B-cell-associated genes showed association with response to nivolumab. PD-L1 positivity combined with high B-cell counts in stroma defined a subgroup with significantly longer PFS and overall survival (P = 0.013 and P = 0.0028, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Increased B cells in pre-treatment HNSCC biopsy samples correlate with prolonged benefit from PD-1-based immunotherapy and could further enhance the predictive value of PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gavrielatou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - E Fortis
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Spathis
- Department of Pathology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - M Anastasiou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - P Economopoulou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G R P Foukas
- Department of Pathology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I M Lelegiannis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Rusakiewicz
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - I Vathiotis
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - T N Aung
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - S Tissot
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Kastrinou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I Kotsantis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - E M Vagia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I Panayiotides
- Department of Pathology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - D L Rimm
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - G Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - K Homicsko
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - P Foukas
- Department of Pathology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Psyrri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Chang YM, Lee CC. Stromal categorization of recurrent oral cancer after salvage surgery is associated with survival rates. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2024; 50:108009. [PMID: 38342040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent oral cancer incurred grave outcome. Tumor microenvironment features, like tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or tumor stromal ratio (TSR) had prognostic significance in various cancers. We aimed to evaluate the impact of stromal categorization which incorporated the stromal TILs and TSR on survival outcomes in recurrent oral cancer. METHODS 162 patients who received surgery-based treatment between 2010 and 2020 were recruited. Outcomes were 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). The impact of stromal categorization of recurrent primary tumor or node on 5-year OS and DSS were assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed, incorporating variables at initial treatment and salvage surgery. Patients were further categorized using a survival decision tree. RESULTS Mean age was 56.1 (SD, 11.3) years; 153 patients (94.4%) were male; 51 patients (31.5%) had stromal category III. Local recurrence occurred in 94 patients (58%), regional recurrence in 55 (34%), and loco-regional recurrence in 13 (8%). Patients with stromal category III had poorer 5-year OS and DSS. Prior radiotherapy, advanced recurrent stage, positive surgical margin, and stromal category III were independent prognosticators for 5-year OS and DSS. In survival decision tree analysis, patients with prior radiotherapy and stromal category III had the worst outcomes. CONCLUSION Stromal categorization is associated with outcomes in recurrent oral cancer. Patients with poor prognosticators, such as stromal categorization III, prior radiation, and advanced stage may require closer follow-up and intensive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Chang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Pathology, Tri-service General Hospital and the Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chih Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang Ming Chao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Freitas-Dias C, Gonçalves F, Martins F, Lemos I, Gonçalves LG, Serpa J. Interaction between NSCLC Cells, CD8 + T-Cells and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Potentiates Coagulation and Promotes Metabolic Remodeling-New Cues on CAT-VTE. Cells 2024; 13:305. [PMID: 38391918 PMCID: PMC10886748 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are frequent cancer-related complications associated with high mortality; thus, this urges the identification of predictive markers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) used in cancer immunotherapy allow T-cell activation against cancer cells. Retrospective studies showed increased VTE following ICI administration in some patients. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are at high risk of thrombosis and thus, the adoption of immunotherapy, as a first-line treatment, seems to be associated with coagulation-fibrinolysis derangement. METHODS We pharmacologically modulated NSCLC cell lines in co-culture with CD8+ T-cells (TCD8+) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), isolated from healthy blood donors. The effects of ICIs Nivolumab and Ipilimumab on NSCLC cell death were assessed by annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) flow cytometry analysis. The potential procoagulant properties were analyzed by in vitro clotting assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The metabolic remodeling induced by the ICIs was explored by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. RESULTS Flow cytometry analysis showed that TCD8+ and ICIs increase cell death in H292 and PC-9 cells but not in A549 cells. Conditioned media from NSCLC cells exposed to TCD8+ and ICI induced in vitro platelet aggregation. In A549, Podoplanin (PDPN) levels increased with Nivolumab. In H292, ICIs increased PDPN levels in the absence of TCD8+. In PC-9, Ipilimumab decreased PDPN levels, this effect being rescued by TCD8+. MDSCs did not interfere with the effect of TCD8+ in the production of TF or PDPN in any NSCLC cell lines. The exometabolome showed a metabolic remodeling in NSCLC cells upon exposure to TCD8+ and ICIs. CONCLUSIONS This study provides some insights into the interplay of immune cells, ICIs and cancer cells influencing the coagulation status. ICIs are important promoters of coagulation, benefiting from TCD8+ mediation. The exometabolome analysis highlighted the relevance of acetate, pyruvate, glycine, glutamine, valine, leucine and isoleucine as biomarkers. Further investigation is needed to validate this finding in a cohort of NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Freitas-Dias
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.F.-D.); (F.G.); (F.M.); (I.L.)
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências, FCUL, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipe Gonçalves
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.F.-D.); (F.G.); (F.M.); (I.L.)
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Martins
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.F.-D.); (F.G.); (F.M.); (I.L.)
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lemos
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.F.-D.); (F.G.); (F.M.); (I.L.)
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís G. Gonçalves
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.F.-D.); (F.G.); (F.M.); (I.L.)
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
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Kang D, Liu S, Yuan X, Liu S, Zhang Z, He Z, Yin X, Mao H. A systematic review and meta-analysis of prognostic indicators in patients with head and neck malignancy treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:18215-18240. [PMID: 38078963 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05504-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumor immunotherapy has recently emerged as a crucial focal point in oncology treatment research. Among tumor immunotherapy approaches, tumor immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have attracted substantial attention in clinical research. However, this treatment modality has benefitted only a limited number of patients. We conducted a meta-analysis of various biomarkers to decipher their prognostic implications in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who are treated with ICIs, and thus identify predictive markers with practical clinical relevance. METHODS A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify clinical studies that examined the correlation between biomarkers and treatment outcomes in the HNSCC patients. The included articles were screened and analyzed to extract data regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS The relationship between the biomarkers included in the summary and prognosis was as follows: HPV positivity was associated with improved OS (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58-1.99), PFS (HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.81-1.67), and response (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.37-2.99). PD-L1 positivity was associated with OS (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.59-0.85), PFS (HR = 0.56 95% CI = 0.43-0.73), and response (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.51-3.10). Neither HPV positivity nor PD-L1 positivity was associated with DCR. The following markers were collected for OS and PFS data and were associated with longer OS: lower Glasgow prognostic score (GPS/mGPS) grading, lower PS grading, high body mass index (BMI), low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), low platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), high albumin (Alb), low lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Factors associated with better PFS were lower GPS/mGPS grading, lower PS grading, high BMI, low NLR, high absolute lymphocyte count, and low LDH. Hyperprogressive disease was associated with worse OS and PFS. Fewer clinical studies have been completed on the tumor microenvironment and hypoxia, microsatellite instability/DNA mismatch repair, and microbiome and systematic analysis is difficult. CONCLUSION In our meta-analysis, different immune checkpoint factors were associated with different prognoses in HNSCC patients receiving immunotherapy. HPV, PD-L1, BMI, Alb, HPD, PS, GPS/mGPS, LDH, NLR, and PLR predicted the ICI outcome in HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengxiong Kang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Siping Liu
- Department of Imaging, Yangzhou Hospital of TCM, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shenxiang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhengrong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhilian He
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xudong Yin
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
| | - Haiyan Mao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
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Diagnostic Predictors of Immunotherapy Response in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13050862. [PMID: 36900006 PMCID: PMC10001329 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) binds PD-1 on CD8+ lymphocytes, inhibiting their cytotoxic action. Its aberrant expression by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells leads to immune escape. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab, two humanized monoclonal antibodies against PD-1, have been approved in HNSCC treatment, but ~60% of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC fail to respond to immunotherapy and only 20 to 30% of treated patients have long-term benefits. The purpose of this review is to analyze all the fragmentary evidence present in the literature to identify what future diagnostic markers could be useful for predicting, together with PD-L1 CPS, the response to immunotherapy and its durability. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and we summarize the evidence collected in this review. We confirmed that PD-L1 CPS is a predictor of response to immunotherapy, but it should be measured across multiple biopsies and repeatedly over time. PD-L2, IFN-γ, EGFR, VEGF, TGF-β, TMB, blood TMB, CD73, TILs, alternative splicing, tumor microenvironment, and some macroscopic and radiological features are promising predictors worthy of further studies. Studies comparing predictors appear to give greater potency to TMB and CXCR9.
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