Dr. Levy on Positive and Negative Biomarkers for Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer

Benjamin P. Levy, MD, assistant professor of oncology, clinical director of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, discusses biomarkers for immunotherapy in lung cancer.

Levy anticipates, in the future, a combination of biomarkers will serve as an indication for patients to receive immunotherapy in lung cancer. Research is currently looking into markers within plasma, such as tumor mutational burden. Currently, PD-L1 is used to help guide decisions with immunotherapy.

In addition to positive predictors of response, negative predictors must also be identified in lung cancer, says Levy. Data indicate that the mutations STK11 and KEAP1 may signify a negative response to immunotherapy, either as a single agent or in combination. Overall, research must continue to identify markers that represent favorability toward immunotherapy as well as avoidance, concludes Levy.