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Wong RWC, Cheung ANY. Predictive and prognostic biomarkers in female genital tract tumours: an update highlighting their clinical relevance and practical issues. Pathology 2024; 56:214-227. [PMID: 38212229 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2023.10.013] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The evaluation of biomarkers by molecular techniques and immunohistochemistry has become increasingly relevant to the treatment of female genital tract tumours as a consequence of the greater availability of therapeutic options and updated disease classifications. For ovarian cancer, mutation testing for BRCA1/2 is the standard predictive biomarker for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor therapy, while homologous recombination deficiency testing may allow the identification of eligible patients among cases without demonstrable BRCA1/2 mutations. Clinical recommendations are available which specify how these predictive biomarkers should be applied. Mismatch repair (MMR) protein and folate receptor alpha immunohistochemistry may also be used to guide treatment in ovarian cancer. In endometrial cancer, MMR immunohistochemistry is the preferred test for predicting benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, but molecular testing for microsatellite instability may have a supplementary role. HER2 testing by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation is applicable to endometrial serous carcinomas to assess trastuzumab eligibility. Immunohistochemistry for oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression may be used for prognostication in endometrial cancer, but its predictive value for hormonal therapy is not yet proven. POLE mutation testing and p53 immunohistochemistry (as a surrogate for TP53 mutation status) serve as prognostic markers for favourable and adverse outcomes, respectively, in endometrial cancer, especially when combined with MMR testing for molecular subtype designation. For cervical cancer, programmed death ligand 1 immunohistochemistry may be used to predict benefit from ICI therapy although its predictive value is under debate. In vulvar cancer, p16 and p53 immunohistochemistry has established prognostic value, stratifying patients into three groups based on the human papillomavirus and TP53 mutation status of the tumour. Awareness of the variety and pitfalls of expression patterns for p16 and p53 in vulvar carcinomas is crucial for accurate designation. It is hoped that collaborative efforts in standardising and optimising biomarker testing for gynaecological tumours will contribute to evidence-based therapeutic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Wing-Cheuk Wong
- Department of Pathology, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
| | - Annie N Y Cheung
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
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2
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Nikas IP, Park SY, Song MJ, Lee C, Ryu HS. Expression of EGFR, PD-L1, and the mismatch repair proteins before and following therapy in malignant serous effusions with metastatic high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma. Diagn Cytopathol 2024; 52:69-75. [PMID: 37937321 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25248] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM To compare the immunochemical expression of EGFR, PD-L1, and the mismatch repair (MMR) proteins MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6 between matched malignant effusions obtained before and following the administration of chemotherapy in patients with high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma (HGSC). METHODS In the enrolled HGSCs, matched formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded cell blocks (CBs) from effusions sampled before (treatment-naïve patients) and during recurrence (following chemotherapy administration), in addition to their matched HGSC tissues obtained from the ovaries at initial diagnosis (treatment-naïve patients), were subjected to EGFR, PD-L1, and MMR immunochemical analysis. RESULTS EGFR was more often overexpressed in effusions obtained after chemotherapy administration compared to both effusions (100% vs. 57.1%) and their matched tubo-ovarian tumors (100% vs. 7.1%) from treatment-naïve patients, respectively. EGFR immunochemistry was concordant in just 9.1% of the effusions sampled during recurrence and their paired ovarian samples before recurrence. Whereas all HGSC treatment-naïve samples (ovarian lesions and effusions) were PD-L1 negative, 3/11 (27.3%) malignant effusions obtained during recurrence showed PD-L1 overexpression. Lastly, none of the tested HGSC samples exhibited MMR deficiency. CONCLUSION Measuring biomarkers using CBs from malignant effusions may provide clinicians with significant information related to HGSC prognosis and therapy selection, especially in patients with resistance to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias P Nikas
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Soo-Young Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ji Song
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol Lee
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Suk Ryu
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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3
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Kramer C, Lanjouw L, Ruano D, Ter Elst A, Santandrea G, Solleveld-Westerink N, Werner N, van der Hout AH, de Kroon CD, van Wezel T, Berger L, Jalving M, Wesseling J, Smit V, de Bock GH, van Asperen CJ, Mourits M, Vreeswijk M, Bart J, Bosse T. Causality and functional relevance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants in non-high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas. J Pathol 2024; 262:137-146. [PMID: 37850614 DOI: 10.1002/path.6218] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The identification of causal BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants (PVs) in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) aids the selection of patients for genetic counselling and treatment decision-making. Current recommendations therefore stress sequencing of all EOCs, regardless of histotype. Although it is recognised that BRCA1/2 PVs cluster in high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOC), this view is largely unsubstantiated by detailed analysis. Here, we aimed to analyse the results of BRCA1/2 tumour sequencing in a centrally revised, consecutive, prospective series including all EOC histotypes. Sequencing of n = 946 EOCs revealed BRCA1/2 PVs in 125 samples (13%), only eight of which were found in non-HGSOC histotypes. Specifically, BRCA1/2 PVs were identified in high-grade endometrioid (3/20; 15%), low-grade endometrioid (1/40; 2.5%), low-grade serous (3/67; 4.5%), and clear cell (1/64; 1.6%) EOCs. No PVs were identified in any mucinous ovarian carcinomas tested. By re-evaluation and using loss of heterozygosity and homologous recombination deficiency analyses, we then assessed: (1) whether the eight 'anomalous' cases were potentially histologically misclassified and (2) whether the identified variants were likely causal in carcinogenesis. The first 'anomalous' non-HGSOC with a BRCA1/2 PV proved to be a misdiagnosed HGSOC. Next, germline BRCA2 variants, found in two p53-abnormal high-grade endometrioid tumours, showed substantial evidence supporting causality. One additional, likely causal variant, found in a p53-wildtype low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, was of somatic origin. The remaining cases showed retention of the BRCA1/2 wildtype allele, suggestive of non-causal secondary passenger variants. We conclude that likely causal BRCA1/2 variants are present in high-grade endometrioid tumours but are absent from the other EOC histotypes tested. Although the findings require validation, these results seem to justify a transition from universal to histotype-directed sequencing. Furthermore, in-depth functional analysis of tumours harbouring BRCA1/2 variants combined with detailed revision of cancer histotypes can serve as a model in other BRCA1/2-related cancers. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cjh Kramer
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - L Lanjouw
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - D Ruano
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A Ter Elst
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - G Santandrea
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - N Solleveld-Westerink
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - N Werner
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A H van der Hout
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - C D de Kroon
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - T van Wezel
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lpv Berger
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Jalving
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Wesseling
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vthbm Smit
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - G H de Bock
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - C J van Asperen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mje Mourits
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mpg Vreeswijk
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J Bart
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - T Bosse
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Pawłowska A, Rekowska A, Kuryło W, Pańczyszyn A, Kotarski J, Wertel I. Current Understanding on Why Ovarian Cancer Is Resistant to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10859. [PMID: 37446039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The standard treatment of ovarian cancer (OC) patients, including debulking surgery and first-line chemotherapy, is unsatisfactory because of recurrent episodes in the majority (~70%) of patients with advanced OC. Clinical trials have shown only a modest (10-15%) response of OC individuals to treatment based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The resistance of OC to therapy is caused by various factors, including OC heterogeneity, low density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), non-cellular and cellular interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME), as well as a network of microRNA regulating immune checkpoint pathways. Moreover, ICIs are the most efficient in tumors that are marked by high microsatellite instability and high tumor mutation burden, which is rare among OC patients. The great challenge in ICI implementation is connected with distinguishing hyper-, pseudo-, and real progression of the disease. The understanding of the immunological, molecular, and genetic mechanisms of OC resistance is crucial to selecting the group of OC individuals in whom personalized treatment would be beneficial. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the selected factors inducing OC resistance and discuss the future directions of ICI-based immunotherapy development for OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pawłowska
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Rekowska
- Students' Scientific Association, Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Weronika Kuryło
- Students' Scientific Association, Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Pańczyszyn
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland
| | - Jan Kotarski
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wertel
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Mitric C, Salman L, Abrahamyan L, Kim SR, Pechlivanoglou P, Chan KKW, Gien LT, Ferguson SE. Mismatch-repair deficiency, microsatellite instability, and lynch syndrome in ovarian cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 170:133-142. [PMID: 36682091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.12.008] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigating for mismatch repair protein deficiency (MMRd), microsatellite instability (MSI), and Lynch syndrome (LS) is widely accepted in endometrial cancer, but knowledge is limited on its value in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The primary objective was to evaluate the prevalence of mismatch repair protein deficiency (MMRd), microsatellite instability (MSI)-high, and Lynch syndrome (LS) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), as well as the diagnostic accuracy of LS screening tests. The secondary objective was to determine the prevalence of MMRd, MSI-high, and LS in synchronous ovarian endometrial cancer and in histological subtypes. METHODS We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Epub Ahead of Print, MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase databases. We included studies analysing MMR, MSI, and/or LS by sequencing. RESULTS A total of 55 studies were included. The prevalence of MMRd, MSI-high, and LS in EOC was 6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5-8%), 13% (95% CI 12-15%), and 2% (95% CI 1-3%) respectively. Hypermethylation was present in 76% of patients with MLH1 deficiency (95% CI 64-84%). The MMRd prevalence was highest in endometrioid (12%) followed by non-serous non-mucinous (9%) and lowest in serous (1%) histological subtypes. MSI-high prevalence was highest in endometrioid (12%) and non-serous non-mucinous (12%) and lowest in serous (9%) histological subtypes. Synchronous and endometrioid EOC had the highest prevalence of LS pathogenic variants at 7% and 3% respectively, with serous having lowest prevalence (1%). Synchronous ovarian and endometrial cancers had highest rates of MMRd (28%) and MSI-high (28%). Sensitivity was highest for IHC (91.1%) and IHC with MSI (92.8%), while specificity was highest for IHC with methylation (92.3%). CONCLUSION MMRd and germline LS testing should be considered for non-serous non-mucinous EOC, particularly for endometrioid. PRECIS The rates of mismatch repair deficiency, microsatellite instability high, and mismatch repair germline mutations are highest in endometrioid subtype and non-serous non-mucinous ovarian cancer. The rates are lowest in serous histologic subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mitric
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Health Network and Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lina Salman
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Health Network and Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lusine Abrahamyan
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Soyoun Rachel Kim
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Health Network and Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Petros Pechlivanoglou
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kelvin K W Chan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Lilian T Gien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sarah E Ferguson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Health Network and Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Georgiou D, Monje-Garcia L, Miles T, Monahan K, Ryan NAJ. A Focused Clinical Review of Lynch Syndrome. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:67-85. [PMID: 36699114 PMCID: PMC9868283 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s283668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant condition that increases an individual's risk of a constellation of cancers. LS is defined when an individual has inherited pathogenic variants in the mismatch repair genes. Currently, most people with LS are undiagnosed. Early detection of LS is vital as those with LS can be enrolled in cancer reduction strategies through chemoprophylaxis, risk reducing surgery and cancer surveillance. However, these interventions are often invasive and require refinement. Furthermore, not all LS associated cancers are currently amenable to surveillance. Historically only those with a strong family history suggestive of LS were offered testing; this has proved far too restrictive. New criteria for testing have recently been introduced including the universal screening for LS in associated cancers. This has increased the number of people being diagnosed with LS but has also brought about unique challenges such as when to consent for germline testing and questions over how and who should carry out the consent. The results of germline testing for LS can be complicated and the diagnostic pathway is not always clear. Furthermore, by testing only those with cancer for LS we fail to identify these individuals before they develop potentially fatal pathology. This review will outline these challenges and explore solutions. Furthermore, we consider the potential future of LS care and the related treatments and interventions which are the current focus of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetra Georgiou
- Genomics and Personalised Medicine Service, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | - Laura Monje-Garcia
- The St Mark's Centre for Familial Intestinal Cancer Polyposis, St Mark's Hospital, London, UK.,School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Tracie Miles
- South West Genomics Medicine Service Alliance, Bristol, UK
| | - Kevin Monahan
- The St Mark's Centre for Familial Intestinal Cancer Polyposis, St Mark's Hospital, London, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Neil A J Ryan
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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A scoping review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of pan-tumour biomarkers (dMMR, MSI, high TMB) in different solid tumours. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20495. [PMID: 36443366 PMCID: PMC9705554 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23319-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved in the USA for tumours exhibiting mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR), microsatellite instability (MSI), or high tumour mutational burden (TMB), with regulatory and reimbursement applications in multiple other countries underway. As the estimated budget impacts of future reimbursements depend on the size of the potential target population, we performed a scoping review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of these pan-tumour biomarkers in different cancers. We systematically searched Medline/Embase and included studies reporting the prevalence of dMMR/MSI/high TMB in solid tumours published 01/01/2018-31/01/2021. Meta-analyses were performed separately for the pan-cancer prevalence of each biomarker, and by cancer type and stage where possible. The searches identified 3890 papers, with 433 prevalence estimates for 32 different cancer types from 201 studies included in meta-analyses. The pooled overall prevalence of dMMR, MSI and high TMB (≥ 10 mutations/Mb) in pan-cancer studies was 2.9%, 2.7% and 14.0%, respectively. The prevalence profiles of dMMR/MSI and high TMB differed across cancer types. For example, endometrial, colorectal, small bowel and gastric cancers showed high prevalence of both dMMR and MSI (range: 8.7-26.8% and 8.5-21.9%, respectively) and high TMB (range: 8.5-43.0%), while cervical, esophageal, bladder/urothelial, lung and skin cancers showed low prevalence of dMMR and MSI (< 5%), but high prevalence of high TMB (range: 23.7-52.6%). For other cancer types, prevalence of all three biomarkers was generally low (< 5%). This structured review of dMMR/MSI/high TMB prevalence across cancers and for specific cancer types and stages provide timely evidence to inform budget impact forecasts in health technology assessments for drug approvals based on these pan-tumour biomarkers.
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