The PI3K/mTOR Pathway Is Targeted by Rare Germline Variants in Patients with Both Melanoma and Renal Cell Carcinoma

Predicting immune checkpoint therapy response in three independent metastatic melanoma cohorts

Introduction

While Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy shows significant efficacy in metastatic melanoma, only about 50% respond, lacking reliable predictive methods. We introduce a panel of six proteins aimed at predicting response to ICI therapy.

Methods

Evaluating previously reported proteins in two untreated melanoma cohorts, we used a published predictive model (EaSIeR score) to identify potential proteins distinguishing responders and non-responders.

Results

Six proteins initially identified in the ICI cohort correlated with predicted response in the untreated cohort. Additionally, three proteins correlated with patient survival, both at the protein, and at the transcript levels, in an independent immunotherapy treated cohort.

Discussion

Our study identifies predictive biomarkers across three melanoma cohorts, suggesting their use in therapeutic decision-making.

Predicting immune checkpoint therapy response in three independent metastatic melanoma cohorts

While Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy shows significant efficacy in metastatic melanoma, only about 50% respond, lacking reliable predictive methods. We introduce a panel of six proteins aimed at predicting response to ICI therapy. Evaluating previously reported proteins in two untreated melanoma cohorts, we used a published predictive model (EaSIeR score) to identify potential proteins distinguishing responders and non-responders. Six proteins initially identified in the ICI cohort correlated with predicted response in the untreated cohort. Additionally, three proteins correlated with patient survival, both at the protein, and at the transcript levels, in an independent immunotherapy treated cohort. Our study identifies predictive biomarkers across three melanoma cohorts, suggesting their use in therapeutic decision-making.

Abstract Figure

Opportunities and challenges for the use of common controls in sequencing studies

Genome-wide association studies using large-scale genome and exome sequencing data have become increasingly valuable in identifying associations between genetic variants and disease, transforming basic research and translational medicine. However, this progress has not been equally shared across all people and conditions, in part due to limited resources. Leveraging publicly available sequencing data as external common controls, rather than sequencing new controls for every study, can better allocate resources by augmenting control sample sizes or providing controls where none existed. However, common control studies must be carefully planned and executed as even small differences in sample ascertainment and processing can result in substantial bias. Here, we discuss challenges and opportunities for the robust use of common controls in high-throughput sequencing studies, including study design, quality control and statistical approaches. Thoughtful generation and use of large and valuable genetic sequencing data sets will enable investigation of a broader and more representative set of conditions, environments and genetic ancestries than otherwise possible.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma with stage IV cavoatrial tumour thrombus extension and rapid metastatic reoccurrence postsurgical treatment with review of current treatment strategies

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most aggressive urological malignancy, with a high recurrence rate. Despite the rapid evolution of the treatment of RCC from non-specific cytotoxic therapies to specific novel combination therapies, the general prognosis for advanced RCC remains poor because patients' responses to these therapies vary. Herein, we present the case of a male in early forties who was diagnosed with a right lower pole renal mass with a level IV tumour thrombus, which was later confirmed as stage IIIc clear cell RCC. About 19 months after radical nephrectomy (curative surgery), the patient was diagnosed with a biopsy-proven metastatic disease, which was not responsive to first-line treatment owing to insufficient data on the best treatment regimen. Herein, we also present a literature review on the pathological impact of genomic alterations in tumour suppressors and highlight emerging paradigm shifts in the treatment of RCC.