PD-L1 works like a ‘stop sign’ inactivating T cells. Interfering with PD-L1 is one way to help prevent cancer from disabling T cells in the tumour microenvironment, where tumours grow and interact with other cells.2,3
Studies are investigating whether high amounts of PD-L1 may indicate tumours more likely to respond to immunotherapies that interfere with PD-L1.2,4
These cells, called ‘tumour-infiltrating immune cells,’ can also express PD-L1 in many types of cancer. 1,2,5-7
PD-L1 on both tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating immune cells may help prevent T cells from attacking tumour cells.2,3
Studies are evaluating whether measuring the amount of PD-L1 on both tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating immune cells may help predict how well certain medicines may work, or whether measuring the amount of PD-L1 on tumour-infiltrating immune cells alone could be sufficient to serve the same purpose.8,9
Ongoing clinical studies are examining the significance of measuring the amount of the PD-L1 on tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating immune cells across diferent types of cancers, which could help doctors determine which people are most likely to respond to cancer immunotherapy alone or who may need a combination with other medicines.
Dr. Daniel Chen explains how immunotherapy may affect the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway, enabling the body to better detect and fight cancer.
References
Chen DS, Mellman I. Immunity. 2013. 39:1-10
Chen DS, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2012. 18:6580-6587
Keir ME, et al. Annu Rev Immunol. 2008. 26:677-704
Quezada SA, Peggs KS. Br J Cancer. 2013. 108:1560-1565
Data on file, Genentech
Pardoll DM. Nat Rev Cancer. 2012. 12:252-264
Sharma P, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2007. 104:3967-3972
Herbst RS, et al. Nature. 2014. 515:563-567
Powles T, et al. Nature. 2014. 515:558-562
This website contains information on products which is targeted to a wide range of audiences and could contain product details or information otherwise not accessible or valid in your country. Please be aware that we do not take any responsibility for accessing such information which may not comply with any legal process, regulation, registration or usage in the country of your origin.